MLB rumors about Trey Mancini’s destination have ended and these three teams might have some regrets not trading for him.
The MLB rumors about where Trey Mancini will finish his season are over. The Baltimore Orioles slugger is heading to the Houston Astros. The MLB trade deadline is heating up.
Mancini had been an understandable trade candidate for the Orioles all season. Then they started winning a lot of games. They eventually came to their senses and decided trading him was the right move.
Unfortunately for a few teams, there is only one Trey Mancini. They’ll have to look elsewhere for a bat. It’s these three clubs who will regret not trading for him most.
MLB rumors: Mets might be left in the dust without Trey Mancini
The New York Mets were one of the most logical destinations for Mancini. Their need for a DH boost continues on (at least for now) with the platoon of J.D. Davis and Daniel Vogelbach taking on the role. It might be the most obvious hole a contender needs to fill. By the time the trade deadline passes, we should expect them to make some sort of an addition.
Mancini would have given the Mets some sneaky right-handed pop. His home runs are down this year in Baltimore due in part to the ballpark renovations made at Camden Yards. Even though Citi Field is hardly a bandbox, we might have seen his power numbers increase with a change of scenery.
The Mets do have a few other options out there still. Josh Bell is very appealing. J.D. Martinez might not cost quite as much as he should. Mancini would have still been a nice right-handed addition to their lineup. They’re going to have to hope whoever they do end up with can produce more.
It’s up to general manager Billy Eppler to make a different move now and stop them from having any regrets.
MLB rumors: Guardians should have been in on Trey Mancini
What’s the Cleveland Guardians plan for the MLB trade deadline? There haven’t been many MLB rumors about the direction they will go. As they close in on the Minnesota Twins for the American League Central lead, it’s important they get busy upgrading the roster.
Mancini would have been a nice addition to their roster. Owen Miller and Josh Naylor have shared first base duties this season. Franmil Reyes has been the primary DH. Only Naylor has hit particularly well for them. Wouldn’t you know, he’s also the only lefty of this three. A platoon situation with Mancini added into the everyday lineup might suddenly make the Guardians a much more serious contender.
Something about Mancini feels perfect for Cleveland. They were never going to be a contender to make a big and splashy trade. Players like Juan Soto or Shohei Ohtani would only ever get dealt to a team that would be willing to pay to keep them around. For this reason, it’s those second-tier guys such as Mancini that they should be in on.
The Guardians have a serious shot at actually making it to the postseason. Unfortunately, without bettering their offseason and maybe even adding to the pitching staff, it could end up as a wasted opportunity. Mancini was a reasonable and affordable trade target for them. Sadly, they passed and might come up short if they don’t look elsewhere.
MLB rumors: Padres could have used Trey Mancini as a DH option
The San Diego Padres shocked the world when they picked up Josh Hader from the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday. We should expect more moves from them that load up on depth, increase their offense, and make them a real threat for the World Series.
They’ve been in search of bats all year. They were the ones who took Luke Voit from the New York Yankees. They also took Robinson Cano off the scrapheap from the New York Mets. Next, they could take Joey Gallo from the Yankees to recycle the whole process all over again.
Mancini is a much better hitter than any of those guys. While he might not see a lot of action at first base because of Eric Hosmer, he could absolutely improve the DH situation.
The market for Mancini wasn’t a huge one but he was a nice OBP guy who leaves Baltimore with a .268/.347/.404 slash line. Capable of also playing some right field, he’s more appealing than someone like J.D. Martinez whose time with the glove should be over with.
San Diego is as “all in” as any team. We’re seeing it more with all of the MLB rumors about their interest in a variety of players. It wouldn’t even be so outrageous for them to make moves which send major leaguers in the other direction. It also wouldn’t have been impossible for them to trade Voit away to clear a spot for Mancini on the roster.
San Diego won’t lose any sleep over this missed opportunity. They will, however, need to act quickly before the well of bats dries up completely.