Baltimore Orioles: Five players who could transition to the gridiron

The strong safety is a unique position that Trey Mancini could fill. I chose Mancini for this spot based on his size and skills. He’s 6’4 and 215 pounds. As an outfielder, he can run when needed to make a catch. But, he doesn’t have to cover ground like a free safety or a cornerback.

Mancini is a big guy and he’s got the quiet strength that would transition to the gridiron. He can catch the ball when needed and he looks big and strong enough to make a tackle when needed.

Mancini played a variety of positions in 2017, left field, first base, and designated hitter. He’s proven he can play a few roles, which is a bit like what a strong safety does. He would be able to act like a linebacker when needed and he could also be a defensive back when needed.

He can read a play in left field, so it would be easy to keep his eye on the ball on the gridiron. He’s not afraid to slam into the wall in left and that’s only wearing a baseball uniform. In football, he would only have to slam into other football players and that’s while wearing full pads. Easy.

I, for one, would enjoy seeing Mancini play a little football. As a finalist for AL Rookie of the Year, he has proven his athleticism. He also proved that he can be a team player with his 78 RBIs and willingness to play wherever Buck Showalter put him.