The Baltimore Orioles enter the 2026 regular season with an enviable amount of infield depth. Few organizations can match the blend of versatility and upside Baltimore possesses across the diamond, and that flexibility could prove critical as the club navigates early roster challenges.
Depth has already become more than just a luxury. Rising star Jackson Holliday recently suffered a broken hamate bone in his hand, an injury that could sideline him for Opening Day. His absence creates uncertainty at second base, but Baltimore appears well positioned to handle it internally. With multiple players capable of shifting around the infield, the Orioles have options to cover the gap without scrambling for outside help.
First base, in particular, has become an area of surplus. The Orioles already roster Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo at the position, then further strengthened the lineup by signing slugger Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million free agent contract. In addition, both Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo have the ability to see time at first base when they are not behind the plate. That logjam has fueled persistent speculation throughout the offseason.
Mountcastle’s name frequently surfaced in trade rumors, particularly after a somewhat underwhelming 2025 campaign. Despite that dip in production, evaluators still believe he would carry meaningful value on the market due to his power potential and track record.
However, recent reporting suggests the Orioles’ front office is casting a wider net. In a February 14 piece for The Athletic, insider Ken Rosenthal noted that Baltimore continues to explore trade possibilities involving both Mountcastle and Mayo. The revelation that Mayo is drawing interest adds another intriguing layer to the situation.
Once ranked as the organization’s No. 4 overall prospect in 2024, Mayo made his major league debut later that season and appeared in 85 games in 2025. The 24-year-old posted a .217 batting average with a .687 OPS and 11 home runs. While those numbers fall short of star-level production, many within the organization still view him as a player with considerable upside.
His trade value may not match what it was during his peak prospect status, but the Orioles’ willingness to listen signals flexibility. Whether a deal materializes remains uncertain, yet the possibility underscores that Baltimore’s infield picture could look different by the time Opening Day arrives.