Orioles rumors signal potential trade before infield logjam explodes

Jackson Holliday's broken hamate bone may have lessened the likelihood of a blockbuster trade ahead of Opening Day, but the Baltimore Orioles still have a logjam at first base. There's only so many at-bats available for the trio of Pete Alonso, Ryan Mountcastle, and Coby Mayo.

Thanks to Holliday's injury, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) foresees all three players as part of the Orioles Opening Day roster — Jordan Westburg could be moved to second base while Mayo takes over at the hot corner in Holliday's absence. Nevertheless, Baltimore is continuing to explore trades for both Mountcastle and Mayo.

Orioles Rumors: Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo are both on the trade block

Ever since the O's signed Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract this offseason, the trade rumors have been rampant. Samuel Basallo is expected to open the year as Baltimore's designated hitter, meaning one of Mountcastle or Mayo has become expendable.

Most fans assumed Mountcastle would be shown the door. He's the older and more expensive of the two players, and is coming off a down-year in which he hit .250/.286/.367 with seven home runs, 35 RBI, and an 83 OPS+. But Baltimore surprised almost everyone after agreeing to a one-year, $6.7 million contract to avoid arbitration. The deal even included a team-option for 2027.

Attention immediately swung to Mayo, who like Mountcastle, put up numbers well below expectations last season. The rookie hit just .217 with a .687 OPS and 11 home runs. Given his status as a former top prospect, one can assume that Mayo should be able net Baltimore a solid return. But giving up on a 24-year-old player so quickly, especially one with Mayo's Minor League track record, isn't standard practice for Mike Elias and the Orioles front office.

The O's missed out on that top-of-the-rotation starter they'd been targeting throughout the offseason, but neither Mountcastle nor Mayo figure to help them fetch such a return. Still, Baltimore could use some more depth in their bullpen.

Holliday's injury may have put trade talks on hold for the moment, but they're certainly not off the table. Whether a spring training injury or another team's desperation leads to an interest in Mountcastle or Mayo, one can be sure that Elias won't hesitate to move either player for the right offer.