Young Orioles slugger’s struggles are getting too big to ignore anymore

Not a lot has gone right for the Baltimore Orioles in 2025. From a failure to build a competent starting rotation over the offseason to failing to capitalize at the trade deadline, 2025 has been a lost season for the Birds. Those issues are bad, but in the grand scheme of things, they might not have lasting ripple effects beyond 2025.

General manager Mike Elias has designs of jumping back into the pack of contenders in 2026, but another problem is brewing in Baltimore that may have a more lasting effect. The key for Baltimore's turnaround lies in the development of their impressive young core of hitters, but one young slugger's consistent struggles threaten their ability to jump back into the fray next season.

Coby Mayo was once one of the highest-regarded prospects in the game. Baseball America had him ranked No. 8 overall on their 2024 Top-100 list, citing his immense raw power and offensive potential. That has made Mayo one of the centerpieces of Baltimore's future plans, but his 2025 season has thrown cold water on his lofty projections and should make his status as a foundational piece highly questionable.

Colby Mayo's struggles with the Orioles in 2025 can no longer be overlooked

Mayo got his first taste of big league action last season in just a small, 17-game sample. The cup of coffee proved to be a ghastly affair, with Mayo slashing just .098/.196/.098 with no homers and a 47.8% strikeout rate.

Still, it was a tiny sample and his 2024 performance at Triple-A Norfolk, where he clubbed 25 dingers and posted a .293/.372/.592 line was enough to dismiss the poor big league showing and not take the wind out of his sails.

However, 2025 has not shown the rebound many were hoping for. Mayo has played in 52 games for the big league club this season as of August 21 and has failed to make an impact. Hitting just .204/.277/.357 with mediocre defense at both first base and third base, he's posted a putrid -0.2 fWAR on the year.

Further underscoring the concern has been his performance at Triple-A. Back at Norfolk, Mayo has logged 45 games, but his results haven't been much better than his big league showing, with a .226/.318/.452 line to his name.

Mayo is still just 23 years old, so it's too early to write him off completely, but the concern level should be raised substantially from where it was last season. If he doesn't turn it around quickly, he will reach busted prospect status and reveal his true talent level to be that of a Quad-A type player.

That would be a massive blow for Baltimore, which is counting on Mayo and other youngsters to form a core that can make them perennial American League contenders for years to come. If Mayo doesn't get it together soon, those future plans will be dashed.

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