Highly regarded Orioles prospect gets long-awaited second chance

The Baltimore Orioles need a spark as they enter Saturday at the bottom of the AL East standings, and third baseman Coby Mayo may be just what they need.

Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun reported that the Orioles are recalling Mayo to the majors. Infielder Ramon Urias was scratched from Friday's lineup, presumably opening a spot for Mayo on the roster.

Ranked as the Orioles' No. 2 prospect and the 12th-best prospect in baseball per MLB.com, Mayo has impressed with his power and bat speed. He has worked on his approach at the plate, showing an ability to hit to all fields and take a walk. MLB.com has compared Mayo to Braves third baseman Austin Riley, underscoring the high expectations the Orioles' prospect faces.

Mayo does not have anything left to prove at Triple-A. He has produced a .275/.371/.540 batting line in 784 plate appearances over parts of three seasons, hitting 40 homers and 45 doubles. 

The question is whether or not that production will translate to the big leagues. Mayo had struggled during his debut in 2024, with just four hits, none for extra bases, in 46 plate appearances. While he drew four walks, Mayo also struck out 22 times as major league pitchers exploited his swing-and-miss tendencies.

The Orioles have gotten off to a slow start offensively, posting a .226/.297/.384 batting line entering Saturday, ranking 20th in the majors with a .681 OPS. Urias, however, had been one of the Orioles' best hitters to start the season. He had posted a .292/.354/.403 batting line in 82 plate appearances, his 123 OPS+ the third-best mark of anyone who has come to bat for Baltimore this season. Mayo will need to produce immediately as the Orioles look to snap out of their early-season malaise.

Mayo is getting a second chance to make a good first impression on the Orioles. He must take advantage of the opportunity.