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Guardians oddly linked to Orioles' often-injured $6.79 million first baseman originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Guardians will likely be in pursuit of a power bat at this year's trade deadline.
The AL Central club's offense is currently without superstar third baseman Jose Ramirez, who is on the IL while recovering from a fractured hamate bone in his left hand.
While the Guardians need some more slugging in their lineup, the move has to make logical sense. They cannot afford to add a player with a lengthy injury history.
Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller threw out the idea of Cleveland targeting first baseman Ryan Mountcastle from the Baltimore Orioles, but he's played just eight games in 2026 and is likely out of rhythm at the plate.
"If Ryan Mountcastle is healthy and the Orioles are selling—TBD on both fronts—his prorated salary of about $2M at the deadline could fit right into Cleveland's budget," Miller wrote.
"If" Mountcastle is healthy is the key there. He is no longer a clear fit with the Orioles now that Pete Alonso has the starting first base job locked down.
Even when Mountcastle has been healthy, the results haven't been pretty.
In 89 games in 2025, the right-handed hitter managed a .250/.286/.367 slash line with just seven homers and a .653 OPS.
Currently, the Guardians have a first base platoon of Kyle Manzardo and Rhys Hoskins.
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Hoskins hasn't provided much with the bat, but the Guardians should be aiming higher than Mountcastle.
Even if it means adding slightly more to their payroll.
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