Baltimore Orioles: 5 players most likely to be traded before 2019

BALTIMORE, MD - MARCH 31: The Oriole Bird mascot waves a flag on the mound during Opening Day ceremonies before the start of the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 31, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - MARCH 31: The Oriole Bird mascot waves a flag on the mound during Opening Day ceremonies before the start of the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 31, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Nobody wants to see Trey Mancini go. But the Orioles could command a good return for him if they were to consider it

In two full seasons in Baltimore, Trey Mancini has hit .268/.319/.454 with 48 homers and 49 doubles. Mancini is likely the best hitter on the Orioles right now, and should the organization pass on re-signing Adam Jones, he will likely be the most popular player as well.

He’s entering the prime of his career, finishing up his age-26 season. And if the Orioles were to hang onto him, would surely become the first baseman of the future.

However, the Orioles likely won’t be good for at least another 3-4 years, on the optimistic side. This is a perfect opportunity for the Orioles to flip Mancini into a handful of prospects who could help this team the next time it makes a playoff run.

Mancini has one more year of team control, and three arbitration years after that. He’s an everyday player who is highly affordable, and could certainly improve a contending team right now.

The downside is that Mancini doesn’t exactly have a specified position. He hasn’t been a good outfielder, and has limited experience at first. But the bat will play anywhere while he solidifies those skills at the cold corner.

Potential destinations include Houston, Colorado, Minnesota, and the Dodgers.