The Baltimore Orioles are entering Spring Training with a crowded roster and difficult decisions looming, as trade speculation continues to surround both Coby Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle. According to reporting from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Baltimore remains active in exploring potential deals involving the two corner bats, even as injuries create new roster considerations.

Orioles Continue Exploring Trade Market

Despite Spring Training already underway, the Orioles are reportedly still evaluating trade possibilities for Mayo and Mountcastle. The situation has become more complex following news that top infield prospect Jackson Holliday underwent hamate surgery and is expected to miss the start of the 2026 MLB season.

Holliday’s absence temporarily opens a pathway for both Mayo and Mountcastle to make the Opening Day roster. One possible solution would involve shifting Jordan Westburg to second base while giving Mayo playing time at third. However, this alignment is far from ideal for Baltimore.

Mayo’s defensive struggles at third base have long been a concern. Those issues were a primary reason the Orioles began experimenting with him at first base and designated hitter. While he has received significant reps at third throughout his minor league career, the organization has shown hesitation about committing to him there long-term.

Roster Crunch Creates Long-Term Questions

Even if Baltimore temporarily accommodates both players early in the season, maintaining roles for Mayo and Mountcastle throughout the year will be challenging. The roster already features several established or emerging contributors at key positions.

Veteran slugger Pete Alonso occupies first base, limiting opportunities for Mountcastle. In the outfield, Taylor Ward is expected to see significant time in left field. Meanwhile, highly regarded prospect Samuel Basallo is projected to receive designated hitter at-bats when not backing up star catcher Adley Rutschman.

With so many bats competing for limited at-bats, the Orioles face a classic roster crunch. Trading from a position of depth could help balance the roster while potentially bringing back pitching or positional reinforcements.

Coby Mayo’s Trade Value Remains High

Among the two players, Mayo is widely viewed as the more valuable trade asset. The 24-year-old former top prospect has yet to fully break out at the major league level but showed encouraging signs during the 2025 season. Across 85 games, Mayo posted a 95 wRC+, improving significantly after the All-Star break with a 109 wRC+.

Mayo’s appeal on the trade market extends beyond his recent production. He still has six years of team control remaining and is earning the league minimum salary, making him a cost-effective long-term option. Additionally, his right-handed power profile makes him attractive to teams seeking offensive help at corner infield or designated hitter spots.

Given his age, upside, and affordability, the Orioles would likely demand a substantial return in any trade involving Mayo. Teams interested in acquiring him would need to offer meaningful talent, potentially including pitching prospects or MLB-ready contributors.

Ryan Mountcastle’s Market More Limited

Mountcastle presents a different trade scenario. The 29-year-old first baseman enters his sixth MLB season coming off an injury-marred 2025 campaign in which he posted an 81 wRC+ over 89 games. Prior to that, he had been a reliable offensive contributor, compiling a career .265/.316/.450 slash line and a 111 wRC+.

Baltimore opted not to non-tender Mountcastle last winter, instead signing him to a one-year deal worth $6.787 million. The contract also includes a $7.5 million club option for 2027, providing some flexibility for a potential acquiring team if he rebounds.

However, Mountcastle’s recent performance and salary could limit his trade value. With free agents like Ty France and Rhys Hoskins still available, teams may prefer to add a first baseman without surrendering trade assets. As a result, any deal involving Mountcastle would likely yield only a modest return unless he demonstrates a strong bounce-back.

Potential Trade Fits Around MLB

Several teams could emerge as potential landing spots depending on their roster needs and competitive timelines. Contenders seeking additional right-handed power—such as the Cleveland Guardians, Texas Rangers, or Chicago Cubs—may view Mountcastle as a complementary piece for their first base or DH mix.

Rebuilding or lower-expectation teams like the Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies, and Chicago White Sox could also take interest. Such clubs might see Mountcastle as a bounce-back candidate who could rebuild value with regular playing time before potentially being flipped at the trade deadline.

Mayo, meanwhile, would likely attract a broader market due to his youth and upside. Teams such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Miami Marlins could all represent logical fits if they believe he can handle third base or develop into a long-term corner power bat.

Orioles Balancing Present and Future

For the Orioles, the decision ultimately comes down to balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term roster construction. Holding onto both Mayo and Mountcastle could create lineup congestion, while moving one or both players could address other roster needs and provide greater flexibility.

As Spring Training progresses and teams across the league evaluate their rosters, Baltimore’s front office will continue monitoring the market. Whether a deal materializes before Opening Day or later in the season, the Orioles appear determined to explore every option as they navigate a crowded roster and high expectations for 2026.