The Baltimore Orioles aren’t hiding their intentions this offseason - and that’s a notable shift from years past. Where the front office once played things close to the vest, this winter has been anything but quiet. From the early signing of Ryan Helsley to the headline-grabbing acquisition of Pete Alonso, the Orioles have made it clear: they’re going for it.
And they’re not just making noise - they’re making moves that matter.
Let’s start with the Alonso deal. Bringing in one of the most prolific power bats in baseball sends a clear message to the rest of the league: Baltimore isn’t content with being a feel-good, up-and-coming story anymore. They’re building a contender, and they’re doing it with urgency.
But as with any big move, there’s a ripple effect - and in this case, it’s hitting Coby Mayo squarely.
Where Does Coby Mayo Fit Now?
Mayo’s in a tough spot. There’s no denying the bat has potential, and his raw power has long intrigued the Orioles’ brass.
But potential only gets you so far, especially when your first extended look in the majors results in a .634 OPS over 340 plate appearances. That’s not a death sentence for a young hitter, but it does raise questions - especially on a team that just invested heavily in Alonso to lock down first base and the heart of the order.
Mike Elias, the team’s top decision-maker, tried to ease concerns by saying there’s still playing time available for Mayo, even with Alonso now in the fold. But let’s be real - that’s a tough sell.
Alonso’s going to be in the lineup every day, and the Orioles already have a crowded infield picture. It’s hard to see where Mayo gets regular reps without someone else moving.
Trade Chip or Future Piece?
The truth is, Mayo might never have more trade value than he does right now. Despite his struggles at the plate, his prospect pedigree still carries weight. He’s young, he’s got upside, and teams are always willing to bet on a talented bat turning the corner - especially when they can get him before the breakout.
That’s why, if the Orioles are serious about adding another high-end starting pitcher - and they should be - Mayo could be the key to unlocking that deal. The Shane Baz trade was a strong start in addressing the rotation, but it’s no secret that Baltimore could still use another frontline arm to solidify their staff. The remaining free-agent options are pricey, and the Orioles have shown a preference for building through trades when the fit is right.
Names like Joe Ryan or Freddy Peralta have been floated in league circles, and while nothing is imminent, the possibility is real. If a deal like that goes down, don’t be surprised if Mayo is the centerpiece heading the other way.
Big Picture: Orioles Are Playing to Win
What’s clear in all of this is that the Orioles are operating with a different mindset now. This isn’t about stockpiling prospects or waiting for the perfect moment. They’ve built a strong foundation, and now they’re pushing chips in to compete - not in a few years, but right now.
That means tough decisions, like potentially moving on from a player like Mayo, even if he was once seen as a cornerstone. It’s a sign of progress, and a reflection of where this team is headed.
Baltimore’s offseason isn’t over yet, but one thing’s for sure: the days of passivity are gone. The Orioles are making moves with purpose - and they’re not done.