The Orioles announced this afternoon that theyve optioned top infield prospect to minor league camp. Hell open the season at Triple-A Norfolk. Baltimore also rea signed non-roster invitees , , , , and to minor league camp. Mayo, 23, has played parts of two seasons in Triple-A. Hes a .279/.376/.543 hitter in 151 career games at that level. He expre sed some disappointment with the move. It obviously sucks because you feel like youve proven everything youve needed to (in the minors Kevin Pillar Jersey ), he told reporters (including ). Sometimes it doesnt feel like its quite enough. Obviously, you go back there and if you have succe s, its oh hes supposed to have succe s because hes already proven it, and if he doesnt have succe s, its well obviously hes fallen off. Its kind of a lose-lose going to Norfolk. Manager Brandon Hyde said the move is a testament to Baltimores infield depth. Good teams option players that they like , Hyde said (via ). More reps at Triple-A, we feel like thats what he needs right now. While its understandable that Mayo feels he doesnt have much more to show against minor league pitching, the Orioles werent likely to carry him on the Opening Day roster. He appeared in 17 major league games last season, hitting .098 while striking out 22 times in 46 plate appearances. He had a similarly poor camp, batting .190 with 13 strikeouts and no homers over 46 trips to the dish. Mayo drilled 22 homers in 89 Triple-A contests last year. He has huge power and draws plenty of walks. Therell be a lot of strikeouts, but Mayo has a shot to hit in the middle of the lineup at his peak. The Os arent going to want him sitting on the MLB bench. and (once healthy) are better fits for utility roles. Mayo isnt going to play over at third base. The Os have , and backup catcher lined up for the majority of reps between first base and designated hitter. Mayo could theoretically push Mountcastle for playing time at first base, but the latter is an established above-average hitter who is having a monster spring. The infield depth has made Mayo the subject of some trade speculation, but its rare for teams to deal away prospects of that caliber. He still has two option years remaining (including this one), so theres no pre sing roster consideration. OHearn and Snchez will be free agents next offseason. Mountcastle has two seasons of arbitration control remaining. There should be a clearer path for Mayo (and Basallo) to break camp in 2026. For now, itll probably require injuries to players above him on the depth chart to get everyday reps in the big leagues. Vladimir Guerrero Jr Jersey