The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly interested in trading two players who would make plenty of sense for the Cleveland Guardians.
Once players officially report to camp and spring training games get underway, it’s rare that teams make roster moves, trades, or significant transactions until days before Opening Day or once the season starts.
However, it appears there is one team that is still motivated to make a couple of moves, and the Cleveland Guardians should absolutely explore a deal.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported over the weekend that the Baltimore Orioles “continue to explore trades” for both Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo, and either player would fit perfectly in Cleveland’s lineup.
Of the two, Mountcastle would make much more sense considering the makeup of the Guardians' current roster. The 28-year-old is coming off a down season with the Orioles, only hitting seven home runs with a .653 OPS in 89 games played.
That said, Cleveland should be desperate to add another right-handed bat into the mix, and Mountcastle’s career OPS of .750 would make the Guardians feel confident he can have a bounce-back season in 2026. Plus, Cleveland needs more weapons against left-handed pitching, and Mountcastle owns a career OPS of .813 off southpaws.
Jul 22, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Coby Mayo (16) scores beside Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor (23) in the seventh inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn ImagesIn terms of a defensive position, the Guardians could have Mountcastle at first base or as a designated hitter, or they could see if he’s still able to play a little outfield, which he did earlier in his career.
Eitherway, there is a clear role, fit, and need for Mountcastle on Cleveland's roster.
Looking over at Mayo, his bat would fit nicely into Cleveland’s lineup, as a right-handed batter who hits lefties better than righties. However, the former elite prospect has struggled to translate his success at the plate into success in the Majors.
The 24-year-old has spent the majority of his time in the big leagues at first base, even though he’s a natural third baseman.
With Mountcastle’s track record and Mayo’s age, both players have value, and the Orioles obviously wouldn’t give them away for nothing.
Cleveland would likely need to start with a starting pitcher or a middle infielder after Jackson Holiday’s injury to acquire either player. However, given where the Guardians' offense stands, making a trade for either player would make sense for Cleveland.
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