In a recent press conference before the game against the Yankees, Baltimore Orioles General Manager Mike Elias addressed several crucial topics, including the team's plans for the upcoming trade deadline and the progress of top prospects, Jackson Holliday and Coby Mayo. According to Elias, both Holliday and Mayo are expected to play significant roles in the Orioles' second half of the season.

Holliday, who is widely regarded as the top prospect in baseball, had a brief stint in the major leagues earlier this year but struggled, producing a meager .059 batting average in 36 plate appearances over ten games. After returning to Triple-A, Holliday showed signs of improvement, hitting .252 with a .418 slugging percentage in his next 40 games. However, his production dipped in early June before being placed on the minor league injured list due to a shoulder issue.

Nevertheless, Elias expressed confidence in Holliday's abilities and announced that he would soon resume playing in the field after the All-Star break. This move is expected to pave the way for Holliday to secure a regular role at second base for the Orioles in the second half of the season. Currently, Ramon Urias, Jorge Mateo, and Jordan Westburg have been filling the infield positions, but with Holliday's return, Westburg is likely to take over the hot corner.

While Holliday's comeback adds excitement to the Orioles' roster, the situation becomes more complex with the emergence of Coby Mayo. Elias spoke highly of Mayo, suggesting that he is close to contributing at the major league level and will "help us this year." Mayo, primarily a third baseman, has excelled in the minor leagues, posting impressive numbers, including a .297 batting average, a .380 on-base percentage, and a .606 slugging percentage with 19 home runs in 63 games at Triple-A this season.

However, finding a suitable position for Mayo within the Orioles' infield rotation is a challenge. With Westburg likely to secure third base following Holliday's promotion, Mayo's chances at his natural position appear limited. An alternative solution could be to involve Mayo in the first base and designated hitter mix, but even that area is currently crowded with Ryan Mountcastle, Ryan O'Hearn, and top prospect Adley Rutschman sharing playing time.

The Orioles' surplus of positional talent may also prompt trades ahead of the July 30 deadline. While Elias hinted at the possibility of increasing payroll under the club's new ownership, he emphasized the front office's commitment to being disciplined in their spending. Adding a starting pitcher with multiple years of team control is a priority for the Orioles, as they aim to build a competitive rotation for the 2024 season.

The Orioles' farm system provides them with the necessary assets to make significant trades without sacrificing their top prospects Holliday and Mayo. Possibilities include acquiring controllable arms or short-term rental pitchers to strengthen the rotation. Additionally, bolstering the bullpen, which recently suffered the loss of left-hander Danny Coulombe to surgery, could be another avenue for the Orioles to explore.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Orioles face crucial decisions that could shape the future of their roster. With top prospects on the cusp of making an impact in the majors and various positional needs to address, the team's front office, led by GM Mike Elias, is poised to navigate these challenges and determine the best course of action for the Orioles' success in the seasons ahead.