Could a 2020 Fourth-Round Pick Benefit from the Orioles Deadline Moves?

With the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline being less than 72 hours away as of Monday evening, it potentially opens the door for several top prospects across the Major Leagues to see their playing time increase with the departure of key players from teams that have committed to being sellers at the trade deadline. The Orioles, who have already started selling off key pieces from their roster this past week, including relief pitcher Gregory Soto, who was traded to the New York Mets, are expected to make more moves. Among others who are anticipated to be playing their final few games in an Orioles uniform are Cedric Mullins, Zach Eflin, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Baltimore’s lone representative at this month’s 2025 MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta, Georgia, 32-year-old first baseman Ryan O’Hearn. With the likely departure of O’Hearn to a playoff contender this week comes the possible increase in playing time for one of the Orioles’ touted prospects: Coby Mayo.

The 23-year-old first baseman, who was drafted by the Orioles in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft, has faced many challenges and hurdles in just his second professional season in the Majors. After being promoted to the Major League roster on August 2nd, 2024, Mayo was anticipated to become one of the Orioles’ core pieces, alongside star shortstop Gunnar Henderson, second baseman Jackson Holliday, and catcher Adley Rutschman, to name a few. However, after playing in just 17 games to conclude the 2024 season and starting this season at Triple-A prior to being brought back up on May 3rd, the Florida native has still struggled to get the opportunity to consistently showcase his potential. That’s largely due to Baltimore’s crowded infield, particularly at first base, with O’Hearn and Ryan Mountcastle typically splitting time between first base and designated hitter. Now, with the expected trade of O’Hearn, it has finally opened the door for Baltimore’s front office and its fans to get a chance to see what they have in one of MLB’s top prospects entering this season, Mayo, who was ranked second overall in the Orioles’ farm system.

Since dealing with a lack of playing time, combined with inconsistent performance and being optioned to the Minors to begin this season, Mayo has faced the difficulties that often come with being an early-career MLB player. This is something that former Orioles prospect and Mayo’s teammate, outfielder Kyle Stowers, also experienced during his time in Baltimore. Stowers, 27, who is now with the Miami Marlins after being traded last season, has since become a standout star on Miami’s roster, leading the team in batting average, home runs, RBIs, and OBP. However, before his breakout season, Stowers struggled to stay on the Orioles’ big league roster last year and had a conversation with Mayo that still sticks in the back of Mayo’s mind as he navigates his own journey in the Majors. In that conversation, Mayo asked whether it’s better to be in the Major Leagues and not play much or to play every day in the Minors. Stowers responded, “I think being in the big leagues is very valuable, even if you’re not playing.” He continued, “Just learning and being able to watch the game and be around the coaches.” With Mayo now in a similar position to the Orioles’ former outfield prospect, it’s up to him to take advantage of his likely increased playing time by the end of this week and begin showing why he can be a mainstay at Camden Yards for years to come.