Last year, Trey Mancini won the title of the player with the best return to MLB. Recall that he had not played in 2020 due to cancer.
In Baltimore, he’s producing on the court, he’s loved, and he wants to stay in town. On paper, it is therefore illogical to speak of a transaction involving it.
But in reality, it is not the same thing.
Mancini is in his final year in control and will be a free agent next winter. That said, the Orioles have yet to land him on a long-term contract.
Obviously, the lockout current doesn’t help since no one can negotiate right now. In addition, time is running out and with a camp that will be cut short, negotiating a contract before the season will not be easy. It will be up to him to see if he wants to negotiate during the season.
And if we add to that the interest of certain clubs in the National to make it their DH, that could convince, at the right price, the Orioles to exchange it.
With some clubs needing offensive reinforcements at the hitter-of-choice position, a big offer could be on the Orioles GM’s desk to send him elsewhere.
My prediction? Mancini will start the 2022 season in Baltimore without a long-term contract in his pocket. During the season, there will be contract negotiations and negotiations with the other teams for a transaction.
And from there, a decision will be made. But in my opinion, it will be exchanged at the deadline.
The Orioles have to consider, however, that he’s a crowd favorite and trading him would hurt the fans. Will that stop them?