Coby Mayo is starting to find some success at the major league level.
On Aug. 2, 2024, Coby Mayo got the call he had been waiting for his entire life; he was going to the major leagues. Later that day, he made his MLB debut for the Baltimore Orioles.
Mayo was hitless in four plate appearances but drew two walks and scored a run. The 22-year-old top prospect was living his dream.
That dream quickly became a nightmare when the hitless games began to mount. Known as a power hitter whose bat carried him through the minors, overcoming his poor defense, Mayo struggled mightily at the plate.
He went 1-for-17 in his first chance in the majors in August and 3-for-24 after being recalled in September. All four hits were singles, he had no RBIs, and a 22/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Despite his major league struggles, Mayo was hugely productive in Triple-A and was named the International League’s top prospect. It was only a matter of time before he would return to Baltimore.
Mayo had a short-lived return to Baltimore in early May when Ramon Urias joined Jordan Westburg on the injured list. He was optioned back to Norfolk following a 1-for-12 showing with six strikeouts and one walk.
Even though he struggled offensively in the minors, Mayo was recalled on May 31 when Ryan Mountcastle joined the ever-growing list of Orioles on the IL with a hamstring injury that will cost him 8 to 12 weeks. This was going to be the big chance Mayo had been waiting for, but it isn’t where he thought it would be.
Coby Mayo finding his stride at the plate while adapting to first base
In addition to his power bat, Mayo has a power arm capable of making the most difficult throws from third. But the O’s already have third base covered and decided to give Mayo a shot at first base.
He had been getting more and more reps at first base, but only made 73 career appearances there in the minors. Rather than throw a temper tantrum, Mayo buckled down and got to work.
In a recent interview, Mayo jokingly stated that he “probably leads the league in most ground balls taken out in early work”. He credits the Orioles’ coaching staff for helping him put in the extra work, saying that he’s going to be “the most prepared first baseman that I can be.”
It has paid off so far (enter standard small sample size statement here). Mayo is going above and beyond to make sure he stays with the Birds this time, and the early results are promising.
Since May 31, Mayo has recorded four hits, including the first extra-base hit of his career. He also achieved his first RBI and has reduced his strikeouts.
Additionally, he has played solid defense at first base, remaining errorless in all 25 chances and making one assist.
It’s reminiscent of Mountcastle, a power-hitting righty who struggled defensively until he moved to first base. Hopefully, Mayo can reach similar heights defensively while reaching his even higher potential offensively.
