Trading Coby Mayo is a classic case of balancing potential against current performance. The Baltimore Orioles see Mayo as a gem they've polished since picking him in the 4th round, now a top 50 prospect.
Naturally, they want a return that mirrors his potential. On the flip side, teams eyeing Mayo are cautious, considering his struggles in the majors and questions about his defensive fit.
Enter the Pittsburgh Pirates, who might just be the perfect trade partner to bridge this gap as the season approaches.
The Orioles and Pirates seem like natural trade allies. Baltimore shines at drafting position players but often grapples with pitching depth. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, boasts a strong homegrown pitching lineup but struggles offensively year after year.
This offseason, the Pirates have been proactive in boosting their lineup to back their stellar pitching. Yet, third base remains a glaring void.
Mayo, with his determination to prove himself at third, could be the answer. His focus this spring on the left side of the infield hints at untapped potential that the Pirates desperately need.
A potential trade framework could see the Pirates sending one of their MLB-ready pitchers to Baltimore in exchange for Mayo. But the big question is, who are they willing to part with, and would those pitchers entice the Orioles enough?
Here's a breakdown of the Pirates' pitchers and their potential availability for a Mayo trade:
Tier 1 - Not available
- Paul Skenes
- Bubba Chandler
These guys are untouchable. The Pirates aren’t budging on these names, not even for Mayo. It’s a non-starter for the Orioles to even ask.
Tier 2 - Most likely not available
- Jared Jones
- Hunter Barco
- Braxton Ashcraft
If the Pirates offered any of these arms, the Orioles should jump on it before Pittsburgh reconsiders. They’re not in the untouchable category, partly because they’re a notch below Tier 1, and maybe, just maybe, a sweetened deal could pry one away.
Tier 3 - Likely available
- Mitch Keller
- Thomas Harrington
These two are in different boats. Keller’s hefty contract makes him a likely candidate for a move, especially given the Pirates’ frugality. Harrington, meanwhile, hasn’t found his stride yet, and his future doesn’t shine as brightly as some of his peers, making him a probable trade piece.
If an agreement centered around these pitchers doesn’t materialize, there’s always the prospect route. The Orioles might opt for a package of lower-minors prospects, echoing last year’s trade deadline strategy.
Trading Mayo for prospects might sting for Orioles fans, but it could unclog the infield and provide future trade chips. Down the line, those prospects could be pivotal in filling roster gaps, continuing Baltimore’s strategic approach to building a competitive team.