Orioles spring training welcome is revealing a harsh truth about Coby Mayo

The Baltimore Orioles turned heads when they signed Pete Alonso during the Winter Meetings in December, and there was an expectation that they would part with one of Ryan Mountcastle or Coby Mayo before the start of spring training. Perhaps that expectation was giving Mike Elias the benefit of the doubt that he didn't deserve, considering he has been one to waste the timelines of young position players.

Elias met with reporters on Tuesday and indicated there wasn't a concrete plan in place for Mayo. Despite Mayo not exactly impressing at either of the corner infield spots, the Orioles plan on trying the 24-year-old at different positions throughout spring training. It seems like transitioning to a corner outfield spot is under consideration.

Mike Elias’ comments on Coby Mayo’s Orioles roster fit raise more questions than they answer

It doesn't bode well for Mayo's chances of being on the Opening Day roster, and it could push him closer to being a trade chip, as opposed to someone who can help the Orioles in 2026.

From a roster standpoint, it doesn't make sense why the Orioles want to try Mayo in the outfield. The Orioles could have as many as five outfielders on their Opening Day roster, and that doesn't include utility man Jeremiah Jackson, who is also capable of playing the outfield.

With Jackson Holliday likely missing Opening Day after suffering a hand injury, it would be natural to speculate if second base is one of the positions that will be introduced to Mayo during spring training. Mayo has registered no professional games at second since being drafted by the Orioles in 2020, and only had a brief look at shortstop during his time in the rookie complex league in 2021.

For teams in the market for a first baseman, Mayo is an intriguing option. He's young and under control through the 2031 season. It's why the former first-round pick likely has more trade value than Mountcastle.

Rather than experiment with Mayo at different positions, the best course of action would be to keep him at first base. That wouldn't put him on a path to break camp with the Orioles, but if his bat bounces back from the 2025 season, his value as a trade piece could be how Baltimore addresses their needs at the trade deadline during the season.