Baltimore Orioles: Three Takeaways From Mike Elias Interview

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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 17: Trey Mancini #16 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

The Baltimore Orioles want to keep Trey Mancini around.

Like Villar, Trey Mancini’s name was often brought up in trade talks last season, but that talk seemed to slowly disappear as the trade deadline approached and the season came to a close. Elias spoke about Mancini on Thursday and his comments are likely to make many Baltimore Orioles fans pretty excited.

“I hope that he’s here. We love having him. I think he’s perfect for what we’re trying to do, the type of player and person we want. He’s great for this town.” That’s high praise for the 27-year-old outfielder/first baseman who is coming off a career year.

Elias did mention that he will listen if teams come calling for Mancini, but every team listens to offers on every player, even those they have no intention of moving. Mancini’s value is largely limited to American League teams and there aren’t very many organizations in dire need of a player like Mancini, at the moment.

Elias had a bit of a spark in his eye when talking about Mancini and his comments were clearly genuine observations about someone worthy of becoming the face of the Baltimore Orioles during this rebuild.

If fans are going to have to sit through another 100 loss season in 2020, we need someone to rally around and give us a reason to visit the ballpark. Trey Mancini is that guy. His 35 home runs, 38 doubles, 97 RBI, and .291/.364/.535 slash in 2019 makes it even easier to rally behind the former eighth-round pick out of Notre Dame.

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