Orioles Exploring Trades of Coby Mayo, Ryan Mountcastle

Balancing present needs and long-term roster construction as Spring Training heats up

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Baltimore Orioles are actively exploring trade possibilities involving corner infielders Coby Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle, despite a recent setback with second baseman Jackson Holliday's hamate surgery. The team must now weigh the value of their positional depth against the need to address other roster gaps.

Why it matters

The Orioles' situation highlights a growing trend in MLB where teams prioritize roster flexibility and maximizing value through strategic trades. The rise of analytics and the increasing importance of team control have led to a more sophisticated trade market, where teams are willing to move players to optimize their long-term outlook.

The details

The Orioles have a surplus of talent at key positions, including first baseman Pete Alonso and left fielder Taylor Ward. With Jackson Holliday's injury, the team must decide whether to address their second base need through a trade or by giving an internal candidate a chance to step up. According to reports, Coby Mayo is likely to command more interest on the trade market than Ryan Mountcastle due to his youth, potential, and cost-effectiveness.

  • Jackson Holliday underwent hamate surgery and will miss the start of the 2026 season.

The players

Coby Mayo

A 24-year-old corner infielder for the Baltimore Orioles, who displayed promising offensive numbers in 85 games last year and has six years of team control remaining.

Ryan Mountcastle

A corner infielder for the Baltimore Orioles who has a track record of solid major league performance, but saw his 2025 season hampered by injury, resulting in an 81 wRC+ in 89 games.

Jackson Holliday

The Orioles' second baseman who recently underwent hamate surgery and will miss the start of the 2026 season.

Pete Alonso

The Orioles' first baseman, who the team has already invested heavily in.

Taylor Ward

An outfielder acquired by the Orioles to play left field.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Orioles' situation highlights the growing trend in MLB of teams prioritizing roster flexibility and maximizing value through strategic trades. The team must carefully weigh the value of their positional depth against the need to address other roster gaps, as they navigate the complex and sophisticated modern trade market.