The Baltimore Orioles have traded first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini to the Houston Astros, according to The Athletic. Though the return isn't yet known, the report indicates multiple players are headed back to the Orioles.
Mancini, 30, is hitting .268/.347/.404 (114 OPS+) with 16 doubles, 10 homers, 41 RBI and 39 runs in 92 games this season. Mancini missed the 2020 season after being diagnosed with colon cancer, but returned to the majors in 2021. He hit 21 home runs in the regular season and also advanced to the finals in the Home Run Derby last year.
To this point, Mancini's career year came in 2019, when he clubbed 35 home runs and drove home 97 runs while hitting .291/.364/.535, which was a 134 OPS+.
As for the fit with the Astros, Yordan Alvarez has the DH spot locked down, so Mancini will head to the outfield. Kyle Tucker is the everyday right fielder and Michael Brantley, the left fielder, is hurt. That means for the time being, we should expect Mancini to get a lot of the playing time in left while Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers play center. There could also be at-bats at first base where the 38-year-old Yuli Gurriel is having a sub-par offensive season.
CBS Sports HQ Newsletter
Your Ultimate Guide to Every Day in Sports
We bring sports news that matters to your inbox, to help you stay informed and get a winning edge.
Thanks for signing up!
Keep an eye on your inbox.
Sorry!
There was an error processing your subscription.
Even if there isn't regular playing time by the end of the season, Mancini gives the Astros another bat with thump. They have a 12-game lead in the AL West and have won three of the past five AL pennants and are looking for another ring. Mancini is in the final year of his contract and has never appeared in the playoffs.
On the Orioles' end, they are 51-51 and three games out of playoff position, but going all out to grab a wild card spot this season was unlikely to happen under this front office which has overseen a rebuild. As such, dealing Mancini isn't a big surprise.