Orioles Predicted to Replace Ryan Mountcastle as Concerns Mount
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The Baltimore Orioles have been disappointed in the playoffs recently. but now it looks like the team could miss them altogether.
Baltimore is in last place in the American League East division and holds a 13-23 record after another heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. Despite holding one of the most talented rosters of position players in all of baseball, something seems to be off.
After losing Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks last winter, the starting rotation has struggled as many expected. But there also seem to be some problems on offense, as the Orioles rank toward the bottom of Major League Baseball in batting average, on-base percentage and total hits.
Those issues could call for a roster change, particularly for a team that has several highly-touted prospects waiting in the wings. Writing for FanSided, Zach Pressnell predicted the Orioles will call up Samuel Basallo as a replacement for struggling first baseman Ryan Mountcastle by the end of May.
TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 28: Ryan Mountcastle #6 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on March 28, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by)
TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 28: Ryan Mountcastle #6 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on March 28, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by)
Sousa/Getty
"Basallo could slot in at first base on a regular basis while also doubling as the backup catcher for (Adley) Rutschman," Pressnell explained. "His potential is among the highest in the league, especially for a prospect of his age."
At just 20 years old, Basallo has slashed .210/.286/.419 in 62 Triple-A at-bats so far this season, suggesting a call up might be a little premature. But he's ranked as a top-10 prospect in all of baseball and might offer the Orioles their most intriguing option to replace Mountcastle at the moment.
After a strong 2024 campaign, Mountcastle is slashing just .209/.244/.322 at a defensive position that typically provides some power for the batting order. If he doesn't turn it around soon and the Orioles' playoff concerns continue to grow, the team might feel it has little to lose by giving Basallo a look.
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