Why Coby Mayo Could Be a Smart Buy-Low Target for the Guardians
When Coby Mayo made his big-league debut for the Orioles back on August 2, 2024, it was easy to miss in the shadow of top-tier prospects like Jackson Holliday and Gunnar Henderson. But make no mistake-Mayo’s arrival was another key piece of Baltimore’s youth movement, a wave of talent the organization hoped would carry them deep into October.
Instead, that promising group ran into a wall.
The Orioles were bounced early in the 2024 postseason, and things only got worse in 2025. A disappointing season led to the dismissal of manager Brandon Hyde and a full-on roster shakeup over the winter. Now, with Pete Alonso added to the mix and Craig Albernaz stepping in as the new skipper, Baltimore is banking on a fresh direction in 2026.
But that reset could come at a cost-specifically, it might push Coby Mayo out of the picture.
According to a recent report from Ken Rosenthal, the Orioles are still exploring trade options for both Mayo and fellow infielder Ryan Mountcastle. That’s a signal to the rest of the league, and the Guardians should be listening closely.
A Window of Opportunity in Cleveland
Cleveland has been linked to Mountcastle throughout the offseason, and for good reason. He’s a right-handed bat who wouldn’t require a major haul in return-exactly the kind of player the Guardians have targeted in recent years.
But Mayo? That’s a name worth circling.
Yes, Mayo’s first taste of the majors didn’t exactly light up the box score. He hit just .217 across 85 games in 2025.
But dig a little deeper, and the picture changes. After the All-Star break, he posted a .719 OPS with 10 home runs in just 58 games.
That’s the kind of second-half surge that suggests he’s starting to figure things out at the plate.
Let’s not forget-this is a player who, not long ago, ranked among the top 30 prospects in all of baseball. The tools are still there: raw power, a strong arm, and the ability to play both corner infield spots.
He’s just 24 and still developing. In the right situation, Mayo could thrive.
How He Fits in Cleveland
For the Guardians, Mayo’s versatility could be a real asset. While his presence might cut into Kyle Manzardo’s time at first base, Mayo’s right-handed bat would bring balance to a lineup that’s leaned heavily left in recent seasons. Plus, he has the glove to handle third base, offering insurance and occasional rest for José Ramírez.
That kind of flexibility is hard to come by-especially when it comes with upside like Mayo’s.
Of course, any deal would hinge on what the Orioles want in return. Despite his struggles, Mayo is still viewed as a high-ceiling player, and Baltimore may not be eager to sell low. But with the Orioles looking to win now and Mayo potentially on the outside of their roster plans, there’s a narrow but real window for a team like Cleveland to make a smart, forward-thinking move.
A Calculated Risk Worth Taking
There’s no guarantee Mayo blossoms into a star. But for a Guardians team that’s consistently looking to maximize value and build for the long haul, this is the kind of calculated risk that could pay off in a big way.
He won’t come cheap, and the fit might require some juggling. But if Cleveland believes in Mayo’s upside-and they should-now might be the perfect time to pounce.