While I predicted in one of my recent articles that the Orioles are not going to trade 1B/OF Trey Mancini, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported today that contending teams are calling GM Mike Elias to express interest in the 27 year old slugger. Although I still have my doubts about the size of a market for the defensively challenged Mancini, there are a few teams who could use an upgrade at first base or designated hitter and are likely looking to add some punch to their lineup before the July 31st trade deadline. Below are three teams that look like good fits for Mancini and for fun, I added a trade package of prospects from each contender.
Tampa Bay Rays
At 52-39, the Rays sit atop the wild card standings and in second place in the AL East, trailing the New York Yankees by 6.5 games. While pitching, as usual, is leading the way for the Rays this year, both their lineup and defense are solid. They could, however, use an upgrade at first base. While Ji-Man Choi owns a respectable .774 OPS, he has struggled recently, was placed on the Injured List, and at the end of the day, offers only about league average production from a first baseman (106 OPS+). Mancini's .878 OPS and 130 OPS+ would represent an immediate upgrade for the 2019 pennant race while also giving the Ray's a cost controlled everyday first baseman until 2023.
Possible Trade Package: 1B/OF Trey Mancini for RHP Shane Baz and 2B Nick Solak.
Baz would be the real prize for the Orioles in this deal. While the 20 year old is still in Low A-Ball, he owns three plus pitches (fastball, cutter, slider) to go along with an above average curveball. He's a backend top 100 prospect with ace potential. His problem is command and control but with at least two years to go until they think about being competitive again, the Orioles can afford to take the risk in developing him. Solak's game is speed and power (.264/.354/.476 in AAA Durham) and for an organization bereft of middle infield prospects, he would immediately step in as the Orioles' second baseman, especially if Jonathan Villar is dealt.
Cleveland Indians
While the Indians currently hold the second wildcard spot and are making a run at the American League Central Division crown (6.0 GB), they desperately need an offensive upgrade at either first or in the corner outfield spots. Enter Trey Mancini, who would let Carlos Santana slide into the designated hitter spot and become Cleveland's starting first baseman until 2023. The problem is that outside of their top 3 prospects (RHP Triston Mckenzie, 3B Nolan Jones, SS Tyler Freeman), the Indians' farm system is rather weak. From the Orioles' perspective, a deal between the two clubs would almost have to include one of those three, who are top 50 prospects in baseball and likely viewed by the Indians as too valuable to give up. They could counter with a quantity over quality deal but Mike Elias would probably just hold onto Mancini at that point.
Possible Trade Package: 1B/OF Trey Mancini for 2B/SS Tyler Freeman and RHP Aaron Civale. Freeman has a plus hit tool and makes easy contact while also showing the ability to steal bases. At Cleveland's high-A affiliate, he is batting .361/.435./.443 in 15 games after posting a .877 OPS at Low A. While he may be a bit of an overpay, Freeman is still far enough away that the Indians' front office might convince themselves the price is worth it. He would join SS Adam Hall as the a top infield prospect in the Orioles' system. While the righty Civale has posted a 2.17 ERA between AA and AAA this year with good command, he's more of a throw in because he lacks overwhelming stuff and scouts are unsure he can start at the big league level. He could get an audition if Elias decides to trade Cashner or Bundy.
Chicago Whitesox
While the Whitesox are sort of on the fringes of contention (7.0 GB of Wildcard), 2020 looks like the year when they break through. With Jose Abreu a free agent after this season, Chicago could slide Mancini into their first base spot without a loss in production. This season he could split time with Abreu at first and DH and play RF occasionally in place of 34 year old Jon Jay. Although Chicago has several untouchable prospects, their system is deep and they could easily pay the price for Mancini. A deal, however, is unlikely.
Possible Trade Package: 1B/OF Trey Mancini for OF Luis Alexander Basabe, OF Steele Walker, and RHP Alec Hansen. Both Basabe and Walker are players with the ability to play anywhere in the outfield with the potential to put up 20-20 seasons in the big leagues. Walker has a plus hit tool and average speed that plays up so he should be able to get on base at a high clip and swipe some bags. Hansen, a 6'7" righty, has potential to be an elite reliever with an upper nineties to go along with two solid power breaking balls.
Final Thoughts
I still don't believe that there is enough of a market for the Orioles to trade Mancini. After Tampa Bay and Cleveland, I struggled to find a third team that would be a fit for him. If he is dealt it will most likely be to the Indians who are in desperate need of offense, especially with Jose Ramirez struggling with the bat.
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