Yes, you read that correctly: the Orioles are calling up yet another top prospect from their deep farm system to bolster the major league roster.
Coby Mayo, the latest standout from the Triple-A Norfolk lineup, could be the most powerful addition yet. Mayo is among just six hitters on the Top 30 Prospects list across baseball with a 65-grade or higher power tool.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 230 pounds, Mayo, MLB Pipeline’s No. 15 overall prospect, is an imposing presence in the right-handed batter’s box. Many evaluators have compared his compact, powerful swing to that of Braves All-Star Austin Riley, a similarity noticed during Mayo’s high school career at Stoneman Douglas HS in Florida. The Orioles selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 Draft, thanks to financial flexibility gained from Heston Kjerstad’s discounted signing.
“I’ve wanted to be a Major League Baseball player since I was a kid,” Mayo said after signing with the Orioles in 2020.
Mayo quickly adjusted to pro ball, boasting a slugging percentage over .530 at every level of Baltimore’s system. He has been a major offensive force, earning the Double-A Eastern League MVP Award last season despite playing only 78 games for the Baysox, with a .307/.424/.603 slash line and 49 of his 88 hits going for extra bases.
The key concern with Mayo’s promotion is the notorious “Walltimore” — the high, daunting right-field fence at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Despite this, Mayo’s impressive power is evident; 22.8% of his fly balls this season have cleared the fence, the highest rate among Orioles Minor Leaguers. His 20 Triple-A home runs include 11 that traveled at least 408 feet, with three exceeding 435 feet. Only seven Orioles homers this season have traveled farther than Mayo’s longest shot of 438 feet.
Mayo has recorded six exit velocities of 111 mph or higher this season, including a 114.9 mph mark, the highest in the organization.
While promotions of top prospects have become routine for Orioles fans, challenges remain. Colton Cowser struggled at the major league level last year but has emerged as a Rookie of the Year contender in 2024. Jackson Holliday, MLB’s No. 1 prospect, had a rough start but recently hit a grand slam. Heston Kjerstad has performed well but is still developing.
With Mayo, the Orioles are bringing up a player with a scorching bat. The 22-year-old has posted an OPS over 1.000 in two separate months this year and is hitting .370/.414/.630 over the past week. On Thursday, he had a four-hit game, his ninth of the season with at least three hits.
While Mayo’s bat is the focus, his top-rated tool is his throwing arm. With a 70-grade arm suited for third base, Mayo will have opportunities to showcase his skills, especially with All-Star Jordan Westburg sidelined due to a hand injury. Mayo has been playing both third and first base, providing flexibility for the Orioles.
The loss of Westburg is a setback, but the Orioles’ wealth of top prospects helps mitigate the impact. The team recently acquired left-handed pitcher Trevor Rogers from the Marlins but kept their top talents, including Mayo. Orioles general manager Mike Elias has indicated that Mayo is close to making an impact, and the right moment for his major league debut is approaching.
“I’m confident it’s just around the corner.”
And that moment is now.
