Orioles Cut Top Prospects Coby Mayo and Samuel Basallo From Spring Training Roster

Mayo expresses frustration over Triple-A assignment as Orioles' roster decisions highlight challenges of managing prospect depth.

Coby Mayo, the Orioles' No. 2 prospect, was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after struggling offensively in spring training, batting .190 with a .239 on-base percentage.
Samuel Basallo, a top catching prospect, was reassigned to minor league camp despite impressing with his power and maturity at just 20 years old.
Mayo voiced dissatisfaction with the decision, describing it as a 'lose-lose' scenario, given his previous success at the Triple-A level.
The Orioles face a roster logjam at first and third base, with established players Ryan Mountcastle and Jordan Westburg blocking younger prospects like Mayo.
Critics question the Orioles' strategy of retaining surplus position-player prospects instead of addressing pitching needs, particularly after losing ace Corbin Burnes in free agency.