Question: Are both Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo trade chips for a starter? I heard that the two might be packaged together in a deal for a starter.
If only one would be moved, is Mayo the likely one to trade since Mountcastle commands a higher salary after a subpar performance in 2025? From: Robert Stier
Answer: Robert, I’m referring to this question in the larger article for this morning, but I would be surprised if both Mayo and Mountcastle would be part of a package deal for a starter.
They are both right-handed hitting first basemen, and even before Pete Alonso signed with the Orioles, it seemed unwieldy to have both on the team. I wouldn’t think another team would want both.
Mayo is more attractive to a team because he has so long before free agency, six years.
Mountcastle could be part of a deal where the Orioles take a pitcher with a seemingly onerous contract.
Both Mayo and Mountcastle are great guys, and I’d be sorry to see either or both go, but with Alonso, there doesn’t seem to be a likely place to play them.
Question: Is Mike Elias taking note? The Ravens, Terps football and basketball, the Orioles for the last 1-1/2 years, the Nationals, the Commanders are all bad. Attendance and interest is waning. In your opinion, does Elias and ownership take this seriously? Seems to me a couple of significant offseason splashes could do wonders for the fan base? Or is it just me? Take care and Happy Holidays. I won’t even bother mentioning the Wizards. From: 5Brooks5
Answer: Steve sent this question before the news that slugging first baseman Pete Alonso was joining the Orioles, but I think the fans seem happy with the deal and pleased that the Orioles made such a large offer that was accepted.
I don’t think the fortunes or misfortunes of the other teams in the Baltimore-Washington market are relevant to the decisions of the Orioles.
I think the Alonso deal is important both symbolically and economically to Oriole fans, and the team is aware that attendance was down 21 percent this past season. Perhaps this helps reignite interest.
By the way, I’m glad you didn’t mention the Wizards since they’re 3-19.
Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.