Orioles Weigh Options as Mountcastle, Mayo Vie for First Base

Baltimore's offseason acquisition of Pete Alonso creates a roster crunch at first base and designated hitter.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:05pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic energy and movement of a baseball game, with the players' forms abstracted and deconstructed into sharp, overlapping planes of color.The Orioles' first base dilemma is a complex puzzle, with multiple young stars vying for playing time alongside a high-profile free agent signing.Baltimore Today

The Baltimore Orioles have a conundrum on their hands as they navigate the futures of first basemen Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo. The arrival of Pete Alonso on a substantial contract has created a logjam at first base and designated hitter, with Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo also vying for playing time. GM Mike Elias has been cagey about the team's plans, but it's clear the Orioles have some difficult decisions to make regarding the roster construction.

Why it matters

The Orioles' first base situation is a delicate balance, as they try to maximize the production of their young core while also integrating a high-profile free agent signing in Alonso. How they handle the Mountcastle-Mayo dynamic could have significant implications for the team's lineup and future plans.

The details

Mountcastle, 24, agreed to a $6.787 million deal in January with a $7.5 million club option for 2027, while the 24-year-old Mayo is also still with the team. With Rutschman and Basallo considered franchise cornerstones, the Orioles have five players who can reasonably play first base or DH. Elias has said the team likes 'all these guys,' but the roster crunch suggests difficult decisions lie ahead.

  • The Orioles signed Alonso to a substantial contract this offseason.
  • Mountcastle agreed to a new deal in January 2026.

The players

Pete Alonso

A high-profile free agent signing by the Orioles, brought in to provide a middle-of-the-order presence.

Ryan Mountcastle

A 24-year-old first baseman who agreed to a $6.787 million deal in January with a $7.5 million club option for 2027.

Coby Mayo

A 24-year-old first baseman who is still with the Orioles, creating a roster crunch at the position.

Adley Rutschman

A franchise cornerstone for the Orioles, considered a future star.

Samuel Basallo

Another player the Orioles desperately want in the lineup, seen as a future cornerstone.

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What they’re saying

“It is never a problem if you have too many good bats. We saw last year how much depth a baseball team needs, and it's more than ever, and we really like all these guys. ... And we have designated hitter at-bats to go around for these players, too.”

— Mike Elias, Orioles General Manager

What’s next

The Orioles will need to make a decision on the futures of Mountcastle and Mayo, either through trades or by finding a way to fit them into the lineup alongside Alonso, Rutschman, and Basallo.

The takeaway

The Orioles' first base situation is a complex puzzle, as they try to balance the needs of their young core with the addition of a high-profile free agent. How they navigate this conundrum could have significant implications for the team's lineup and future plans.