Trey Mancini has been one of the Orioles’ best players this season, endearing him even more to the fans.
His trade value has also never been higher.
The Orioles could possibly get back a solid prospect for Mancini if he is dealt, which has to be an appealing scenario for general manager Mike Elias.
The 30-year-old Mancini is in his final year of club control, so the Orioles could theoretically re-sign him at the end of the year. He fully understands the stakes and the business of baseball.
The San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers and San Francisco Giants are potential suitors.
“I know how it goes,” Mancini said earlier in the season. “I know that I am a pending free agent after this year. I know the trade talks are going to come with that but it’s nothing that I think about or affects what I do every day. “
Mancini has been on a tear lately. He has recorded six extra-base hits — three doubles and three home runs — in seven games this month. He had eight extra-base hits — five doubles and three homers — in his first 44 games to begin the season and has matched that total in his last nine games since May 29.
Mancini entered the weekend series against the Kansas City Royals slashing .352/.434/.528 (44-for-125) with five doubles, one triple, five home runs, 16 RBI, 19 runs scored and 14 walks in 33 games since May 1. During that span, Mancini ranked highly among MLB leaders in on-base percentage (sixth), hits (seventh), and batting average (seventh), while also ranking seventh in the AL in OPS (.962).
He has also reached base safely in 12 consecutive games, the fifth-longest active streak in the AL He’s scored a run in six straight games, the longest active streak in the American League. Overall, Mancini is batting .304/.379/.446 with six home runs on the year.
Mancini is making a strong case for a second consecutive appearance in MLB’s All-Star festivities. He took part in the Home Run Derby last summer and may be in line for his first All-Star nod this summer.
Mancini could play a key role for a contending team because of his ability to play the outfield, first base and designated hitter. He is also a valuable clubhouse presence and proudly serves as a mentor to younger players. The trade deadline is Aug. 2.
However, his preference is to stick around and reap the benefits of the rebuilding plan for the only MLB club he has ever known.
“I’ve been waiting for a while now for that big wave,” Mancini said in May. “This year has had a different feel than the last couple years. I don’t know how to explain it, but it does. And I’m not just saying that. I think the culture is starting to get in place, and some guys have cemented themselves [with] a lot more on the way. That is an exciting time in a rebuild. It’s the first big step.”
It would be a public-relations nightmare for the Orioles if they dealt with Mancini. He has a strong bond with the fans through his play on the field and his victories battle with cancer.
Nonetheless, if the Orioles are able to get back a dynamic prospect for Mancini, that would soften the blow. For now, Mancini will remain a vital cog for the Orioles and the hope is that he continues to produce in the middle of the lineup.
He’s certainly fun for the fans to watch … at least for now.
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