The Orioles have made it clear this offseason: they’re ready to take another step forward. With a young, explosive core and a fan base hungry for playoff success, the focus has been squarely on adding a frontline starting pitcher. But while the rotation remains priority one, there’s another storyline quietly developing in Baltimore - and it centers around Ryan Mountcastle.
At one point, Mountcastle looked like a cornerstone piece. A power bat with first base locked down.
But things have changed, and fast. Last season saw Ryan O’Hearn take over first base duties before being shipped to San Diego.
Now, with top prospects Coby Mayo and Samuel Basallo knocking on the door - and Pete Alonso arriving in a headline-grabbing move - Mountcastle finds himself without a clear role.
The Orioles’ decision to tender Mountcastle a contract for 2026 raised some eyebrows. After all, his production dipped last season, and his path to everyday playing time is murky at best.
First base is now Alonso’s territory, and the DH spot? That’s likely going to be a rotation between Basallo and Adley Rutschman as they split time behind the plate.
Simply put, Mountcastle is boxed out.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Baltimore might not be done dealing, and Mountcastle could be the key to unlocking their final move of the winter.
The Orioles recently avoided arbitration with Mountcastle, signing him to a one-year, $6.79 million deal that includes a club option for 2027. That kind of cost certainty is important - not just for Baltimore, but for any team looking to add a bat without breaking the bank.
And one team that fits that bill? The San Diego Padres.
San Diego has a clear need at first base after moving on from Luis Arráez. They’ve already been active in trade talks - including a now-defunct pursuit of Nolan Arenado before he landed in Arizona.
A major hurdle in those talks? Money.
Arenado is owed $41 million over the next two seasons, and the Padres, already navigating tight payroll constraints, were only interested if they could land him on a bargain deal.
That’s where Mountcastle enters the picture. He’s a far more affordable option, and while he doesn’t bring Arenado’s pedigree, he still offers pop from the right side and a fresh start could help him rediscover his form. San Diego gets a cost-effective first baseman, and the Orioles get a chance to clear the logjam while potentially addressing their rotation needs.
There’s even chatter that a deal between the two clubs could expand beyond Mountcastle. Nick Pivetta’s name has surfaced as a possible addition in a larger package. The right-hander would slot nicely into Baltimore’s rotation, giving them the kind of experienced arm they’ve been looking for all offseason.
For the Orioles, this would be a creative - and calculated - way to wrap up their winter. They’ve already made a splash with Alonso. Now, they have a chance to balance the roster, shed a redundancy, and potentially land the arm that could solidify their status as a legitimate contender in the American League.
Mountcastle might not be part of the Orioles’ long-term blueprint anymore, but he could still play a pivotal role in shaping their 2026 season.