Baltimore Orioles Rumors: Trey Mancini Trade Talks Are Heating Up

Will the Baltimore Orioles move Trey Mancini before the trade deadline?

Early this morning, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that “trade talks are active” and multiple teams are discussing a possible deal for Baltimore Orioles outfielder Trey Mancini ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.

While the debate of whether or not to trade Mancini has been one of the more hotly debated topics among Orioles fans this summer, specific trade rumors surrounding the third-year man have been largely quiet. Much of the trade rumor discussion has surrounded relief man Mychal Givens, with numerous teams sending representatives to Baltimore to check-in on the 29-year-old reliever with multiple years of control and career-high strikeout and whiff rates.

The trade market remained pretty quiet until Sunday night’s shocker of the New York Mets trading for Toronto Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman. I have stopped asking why the Mets do the things they do, but I’m still all in on watching the show they put on. Sellers have kept their prices fairly high for pieces in demand, causing buyers to hold off, for now, and check in on cheaper, yet still valuable options.

As long as prices remain high, more teams could switch their focus to the Baltimore Orioles and make a push for the likes of Givens, Jonathan Villar, and possibly even Hanser Alberto, although it’s highly unlikely that any sort of return for Alberto is worth moving the utility man. He won’t bring back much in a trade and there’s simply no one in the upper-minors ready or able to handle their own at the major league level on a nightly basis.

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So, what about Mancini? His outfield defense has improved, but he’s still not an outfielder. Morosi did not mention any specific teams currently pursuing Mancini, but it’s hard to believe that a National League franchise would be interested in a 1B/DH option.

The Orioles don’t have to trade Mancini, who clearly does not want to be moved. I’ve stated before that my position on this has changed as the season has progressed. Two months ago, I was all aboard the “trade Mancini for whatever you can get” train. That’s no longer the case, in my opinion. In the midst of a career-year, Mancini will provide more value for the Orioles than any team he’s potentially traded to. A constant in the O’s lineup, the face of the franchise, and much-needed veteran presence in a young and inexperienced locker room is what Brandon Hyde and this team needs.

For those of you in the “do not trade Mancini” camp, MASN’s Roch Kubatko has reported some reassuring news on Monday morning, stating that the Orioles are “likely to hold on to him.” Also from Kubatko’s piece,

"Mancini wants to stay with the Orioles. He wants to live through this process and play for a contender in Baltimore. He should be able to rest easy that he’s sticking around in 2019 unless there’s a drastic and unexpected shift in plans."

Obviously, Mike Elias will take an offer he can’t refuse, no one on the current roster is untouchable. As the clock ticks down, it will be interesting to see if a team comes calling with a big offer or if Mancini stays in the orange and black, for now.

**Update- After publishing, Morosi returned with names of suitors currently looking into Mancini.

Sources: Trey Mancini trade market includes interest from #Astros, #Rangers and #Rays, although Houston appears focused on adding a starting pitcher. Texas, while not a strong 2019 playoff contender, is looking for controllable bats. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 30, 2019

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Stay by your phones, people! The next two days are sure to be thrilling as teams look to take advantage of their final opportunity to improve their roster and make a run at a 2019 World Series title.

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