Orioles Exploring Trade Options Amid Infield Injuries

Baltimore looking to address roster logjam at corner infield positions

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Baltimore Orioles are dealing with injuries to key infielders like Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg, which could force them to carry a surplus of right-handed corner infielders like Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo on their Opening Day roster. According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, this situation is expected to create a "logjam" that the Orioles are trying to address through potential trades of Mountcastle and Mayo.

Why it matters

The Orioles are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and return to the MLB Playoffs. Resolving their infield depth issues through trades could help them field a more balanced and productive lineup as they aim to compete in the tough AL East division.

The details

The Orioles are facing injuries to second baseman Jackson Holliday, who is recovering from a broken hamate bone, and Jordan Westburg, who is dealing with a tweaked oblique. This could lead the team to carry both Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo on the Opening Day roster, with Mountcastle backing up first baseman Pete Alonso and Mayo potentially taking over at third base. However, this logjam of right-handed corner infielders is expected to become problematic, prompting the Orioles to explore trade options for both Mountcastle and Mayo.

  • The Orioles finished the 2025 season with a 75-87 record and missed the playoffs.
  • The team fired manager Brandon Hyde during the 2025 season and replaced him with Tony Mansolino.
  • Before the 2026 season, the Orioles made several key offseason moves, including signing free agent slugger Pete Alonso.

The players

Jackson Holliday

Orioles second baseman who is recovering from a broken hamate bone in his right hand.

Jordan Westburg

Orioles infielder currently dealing with a tweaked right oblique.

Ryan Mountcastle

Orioles first baseman and designated hitter who could see increased playing time due to the team's infield injuries.

Coby Mayo

Orioles third baseman who could take over the position if Jordan Westburg moves to second base.

Pete Alonso

Star free agent first baseman signed by the Orioles in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“At some point, though, a logjam of right-handed corner infielders figures to ensue, which is why the Orioles continue to explore trades for both (Ryan) Mountcastle and (Coby) Mayo, according to a person familiar with their thinking.”

— Ken Rosenthal, MLB Insider (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Orioles will need to resolve their infield depth issues through trades or other roster moves before the start of the 2026 season. The team's success could hinge on finding the right balance and production from their corner infielders.

The takeaway

The Orioles' offseason moves and roster construction have created an intriguing situation at the corner infield positions, with the team needing to navigate injuries and a potential logjam of right-handed hitters. How Baltimore addresses this challenge could be a key factor in determining whether they can return to the playoffs in 2026.