Coby Mayo (86). Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Another top prospect could follow Jackson Holliday to the Orioles

By David Hill | Last updated 4/14/24

The Baltimore Orioles have already brought one of their highly regarded prospects to the majors this season. Another one could be forcing his way onto the roster as well.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported on Tuesday that Jackson Holliday would be promoted to the major league roster. He has since taken over at second base, pushing Jorge Mateo into a utility role. As the son of former All-Star Matt Holliday and the top prospect in baseball, expectations are high for the 20-year-old.

Coby Mayo may not be far behind. The Orioles' third-best prospect and 28th-best prospect in baseball, per MLB.com, Mayo is off to a torrid start with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides.

He has produced a .377/.433/.721 batting line in his 67 plate appearances, belting five homers and four doubles. There is some swing and miss to his game as Mayo has struck out 23 times, but his immense power makes up for that deficiency.

Mayo's performance has matched his scouting report thus far. He has been lauded for his impressive power, plus bat speed and strength.

While there have been questions about whether or not Mayo can stick at third, he does move well and has one of the best arms in the minors. The Orioles have also given Mayo time at first, which could hasten his arrival in the majors.

Coby Mayo shows off 65-grade power on his latest dinger

MLB's No. 28 prospect (@Orioles) crushes one 429 feet at 106.7 mph for the @NorfolkTides: pic.twitter.com/3VyfNejlry
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 9, 2024

The Orioles do not need to rush Mayo to the majors. Jordan Westburg, another former top prospect, has performed well as he has split his time between second and third.

However, Westburg does have positional flexibility, having spent time at short as well in the minors. Ramon Urias, who had been the Orioles third baseman before Holliday's ascension moved Westburg over, has struggled this season.

The problem is that Urias is out of minor league options and would likely be picked up by another team if the Orioles try passing him through waivers.

There comes a time when talent and production win out over such considerations. Mayo is crushing the ball in Triple-A and may force the Orioles' hand. His time in Baltimore is coming soon.

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