If the Baltimore Orioles fall short of their World Series ambitions this season, they may need to reassess their roster, asking the familiar question: Who is expendable? According to Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, first baseman Ryan Mountcastle is the leading candidate for a trade in this scenario.
Rymer noted in his August 8 column on each team’s most likely trade candidate, “While Mountcastle is a solid hitter, his right-handed power is somewhat hampered at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. He might hold more value as a trade asset, particularly if he can bring back pitching help for Baltimore.”
Mountcastle, now in his fifth MLB season with the Orioles, has posted a .268/.307/.437 slash line with 13 home runs and 56 RBIs this year. He signed a one-year, $4.1 million contract in January to avoid arbitration.
The idea of Baltimore parting ways with Mountcastle is not new to fans. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Orioles were open to trading the 27-year-old before this season’s trade deadline.
“They’re more patient than inclined to make blockbuster moves, but they were willing to discuss trading veteran first baseman Ryan Mountcastle or center fielder Cedric Mullins,” Passan wrote on July 23. Mountcastle remains with the Orioles for now, but it’s widely expected that trade discussions could resume this winter.
Could Coby Mayo Be Baltimore’s Ryan Mountcastle Replacement? If the Orioles were to trade Mountcastle, it might indicate that they have confidence in an internal replacement. Coby Mayo could be the player Baltimore is eyeing to take over at first base.
The 22-year-old power hitter was called up on August 3 after Jordan Westburg suffered a fractured hand. Although Mayo is currently playing third base, his natural position is first base. However, he struggled in his first five games, going 0-for-13 through August 7.
Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde commented on Mayo’s early challenges, emphasizing the need for quality at-bats.
“It’s not easy up here,” Hyde said on August 4. “You just have to focus on having the best at-bats you can.” Hyde gave Mayo a chance for his first MLB moment on August 6 by pinch-hitting him for Colton Cowser with the bases loaded, but Mayo struck out.
Baltimore has successfully sent top prospects back to the minors for further development after brief MLB stints, as seen with Jackson Holliday and Grayson Rodriguez. Mayo could be the next in line, especially if the Orioles consider trading Mountcastle this winter.
Mountcastle’s Quiet Performance Against Blue Jays Baltimore kicked off a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays with a win on August 7, although Mountcastle had a quiet night, going 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Mountcastle has typically performed well against Toronto, with 18 career home runs in 64 games. This season, he’s batting .229/.275/.475 with three home runs and nine RBIs in 12 games against the Blue Jays.
Currently, the Orioles are tied with the New York Yankees for the AL East lead, holding a 67-48 record with 47 games remaining.
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