As the Braves look at potential options in left field, they’ve inquired with the Orioles about Trey Mancini’s availability, tweets MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, who adds that there’s been “nothing serious” discussed between the two parties to this point. Interest in Mancini is rather logical for a Braves club that is still seeking a middle-of-the-order bat but may not want to pay the prices necessary to re-sign Marcell Ozuna to a multi-year deal.
Mancini, 28, broke out with a career-best .291/.364/.535 showing with the Orioles in 2019 but missed the 2020 season after a frightening colon cancer diagnosis. The slugger underwent surgery and ultimately emerged victorious in his battle with cancer, announcing back in November that he was cancer-free after months of chemotherapy. No one can blame the Braves for coveting Mancini’s final two years of team control, but given that context and Mancini’s status as a clubhouse leader in Baltimore, it’d likely be tough for the O’s to part with him in a trade prior to the season. Even if the two sides were to engage in serious talks, one can imagine the asking price would be quite high.
There’s also the fact that while Mancini has played extensively in the outfield corners, he’s still a first baseman playing out of position there. That’s not a great fit with the Braves, given Freddie Freeman’s presence at first base. Notably, Baltimore general manager Mike Elias told reporters today that he expects Mancini to spend a lot more time at first base in 2021 (Twitter link via MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko).
While a Mancini trade appears unlikely for several reasons, that probably won’t stop teams from calling. Elias acknowledged today every win-now club throughout the league is aware that the Orioles are willing to listen to offers for most of their roster as their rebuild trudges onward (Twitter link via MLB.com’s Joe Trezza). That, however, “doesn’t mean we’re going to do anything,” Elias added.
The O’s, in fact, could make a few more small-scale additions after signing shortstop Freddy Galvis to a one-year, $1.5MM deal yesterday. Galvis, to no one’s surprise, was tabbed as the primary shortstop by Elias, but the club could still be on the lookout for some versatile infield depth to back him up (via Kubatko). That’s likely due in no small part to the fact that infielder Richie Martin sustained a broken hamate bone in his left hand while working out this past weekend and will require surgery to repair the injury.
Based on prior timelines for that same injury, Martin could return midway through Spring Training — assuming it starts on time — but he’ll very likely be behind schedule. Baltimore’s agreement with Galvis was already wrapped up by the time Martin suffered the injury, Dan Connolly of The Athletic points out; the timing is merely coincidental.
On the pitching front, the Orioles are still looking to add to a thin mix. Kubatko notes that Elias mentioned Major League offers to starting pitchers are on the table for the Orioles, although the GM (as one would expect) provided no further specifics. Based on the team’s extremely limited spending and Connolly’s recent report that the O’s actually tried to defer the arbitration salaries of Mancini and outfielder Anthony Santander, it seems unlikely that they’ll spend any significant cash to upgrade the starting staff or bullpen. That said, even a split contract that comes with a 40-man roster spot and a big league salary around the $1MM mark would technically fit the criteria listed by Elias.
Last year, the Orioles added lefties Tommy Milone and Wade LeBlanc on low-cost minor league deals to round out the rotation early in the year. It’s not likely that they’ll shop in a much more expensive bin this time around, but there are still some affordable names left standing on the free-agent market.
FredMcGriff for the HOF
Just bring back Duvall and be done with this madness. We need at least 1 power bat to compete. This is getting ridiculous. Lots of team are getting better and we sign to SP while we’ve lost 2 big bats and 2 good relief pitchers. Do something AA. At least extend Freddie!
DTDATL
Duvall isn’t the answer. While the pop is good, he actually has to make contact to be beneficial.
RunDMC
I’d rather exhaust E-V-E-R-Y option before re-signing Duvall, especially if superior bats like Ozuna, Rosario are still available. We’ve lost 1 bat until the DH is implemented. Everything will be ok.
bravesfan
Yea only signing Duvall would be a huge downgrade. Honestly Braves and Orioles should do everything possible to make a deal with TM. It just makes a lot of sense for both teams. But we need something much better than Duvall at the plate
SalaryCapMyth
While I agree with DMC, I don’t think McGriff thinks Duvall is the answer. I think he doesn’t expect the Braves to pick up anyone better so might as well sign Duvall back before he’s lost as well.
I also think it’s a little premature but it’s easy to start getting concerned as we watch all these bats fly off the market while we sit and wonder if AA will pull the trigger on the bat the Braves need in the middle of their line up. The only caveat to that is whether AA has a sufficient payroll available to him to bring back Marcella Ozuna.
BigDJohn
Duvall was only good for a 9 game stretch last year. otherwise he was horrible during the rest of the season and the post-season.
SoCalBrave
Duvall is only good as a 4th or 5th outfielder, we need an everyday starter until Waters is ready. Ozuna, in theory, could slide to the DH position when that happens.
BigDJohn
But you’re assuming that the DH will come to the NL which may not be so.
ddd
Don’t know what seems to be the holdup on saying if the NL is going to have the DH or not. It”s either YES or No. If it is yes, sign Ozona, Duval, and Markakas.
Caleb Clark
With the Brewers “listening” on Josh Hader again, could you see the Giants possibly trading for him? With the Dodgers and Padres looking really good for the next 5 years at least, I think the Giants should at least entertain the idea, and they really need a closer, so here’s my trade prediction.
Giants get: LHP Josh Hader, OF Lorenzo Cain
Brewers get: SS Brandon Crawford, RHP Logan Webb, OF Hunter Bishop (#4), LHP Seth Corry (#5), RHP Sean Hjelle (#10), 1B Garrett Frechette
Let me know if this is fair or not.
adshadbolt
Why would the giants give up young players for hader they aren’t ready to win yet
ABCD
Crawford has a no-trade.
Cain cancels Hader’s value here.
A fair trade would be Hader for Corry, Hjelle, Frechette and a lottery pick.
But like it was said above, the Giants aren’t going to trade prospects at this point.
Caleb Clark
You can’t trade picks in the MLB unless they are compensation. And plus, I think that it would have to include either Bishop or Ramos and Corry at least.
bravesfan
Really doesn’t make sense for the giants to make this trade …
GETBUCKETS
Giants are ready to compete…they need to keep their young talent
its_happening
O’s now adding Mancini adds more punch to a very underrated lineup. Baltimore can hit.
jbigz12
Decently. Galvis, Rio, and Yolmer are still not very good hitters for sure. Hopefully Davis does not play. Santander, Mount, Mancini is a nice looking 3-4-5. Hays is a ball player also. We lack that true on base guy who can lead off. Which is something the Orioles seem to typically not have. Hopefully we see one develop through the system.
its_happening
Are the O’s planning to bring back Alberto to face lefties in-place of Ruiz?
If willing to spend a little, Kolten would have looked ok at leadoff playing 2B over Sanchez.
jbigz12
Yeah they won’t spend though. Given that they tried to offer Mancini and Santander deferrals for an arb year—we can close that chapter. Which is fine. This is another rebuild year. The question will be do we trade Mancini or extend him. I’m thinking he becomes a trade chip so long as he returns to form.
Sisco’s last chance behind the plate this year. If he shows himself capable—he could be a trade chip too. It’s AR’s job and everyone knows that.
Orioles Fan
Yes they can and a lot of people or teams realize that.
DarkSide830
Richie Martin is an unlucky dude
2012orioles
Two broken hands in 9 months. Right when he’s got a great opportunity to play. That’s a bummer
BobSacamano
Hopefully Tigs pick him up if he’s released. I remember being jealous when the Os picked him up in the Rule5. I still see the potential.
mstrchef13
Why woud Martin get released? He’s still got 4-5 years of control plus minor league options.
BobSacamano
I didn’t mean they intend to.
*Just, if*
Orioles Fan
Not gonna be released
BobSacamano
Lol.. never mind
2012orioles
Tough blow for Richie. He’s coming off of a broken right wrist too. The past year could’ve been very valuable to establish himself, and now he’s got this injury to deal with. I’m always a fan of rule 5 guys. Hopefully he can rebound strong
dimitriinla
A nice article. Quite comprehensive with good additional analysis. Much appreciated too!
rangers13
Without knowing the OF dimensions in ATL, perhaps Rangers would trade Lowe straight up for Toussaint or with Andrus and Leclerc for Riley and we take on Inciarte’s contract.. Less desirable but plausible consideration would be Gallo for Toussaint and Riley, or Gallo and Andrus and Leclerc for Wright, Toussaint, Riley and we take Inciarte
Rangers29
I’m sorry, but that makes no sense. Nobody is trading for Andrus right now, and the Rangers aren’t giving up Lowe and Leclerc The Rangers aren’t trading Gallo till the deadline, and Lowe is going to be a Ranger for another 3-6 years. I could see ATL being a trade partner at the deadline time, but right now, no.
lolmetsforever
You don’t know any of that. You made all of that information up, just like your catfishing- pretending to be a high schooler with a big dweam!
bravesfan
I don’t think these are as far off as you’re making it to be, but overall I do agree, that I don’t see any of these happening. If I was Braves mgmt, I don’t want Gallo at all … especially if that involves trade Riley for him. I feel like that would be trading young Gallo for older Gallo. I’d rather take the risk of developing Riley than taking on Gallo, which lets be honest. is completely overrated. Now some of your other options, are more interesting.
BigDJohn
Gallo is horrible, a .208 career hitter with the 2nd highest strikeout rate in the majors since 2015 at 37.6%. I’d be surprised if anyone would ever give much for him.
Gothamcityriddler
I hope the O’s are still trying to workout some kind of long term extension with Cris Davis, because without him all of this is for not. Ahahaha!
(?)
Rwm102600
Get new material
Ra
The word you were searching for but failed to find is spelled, “naught.”
doxiedevil
The Braves have interest in any player with a pulse , seldom do they act on acquiring them.
The Braves are about going cheap and hoping they at least make the playoffs.
After Smyly and Morton it is dumpster diving as usual.
busterhyman
It’s worked out pretty good for them the last few years.
Every year they are expected to finish 2nd or third in the division and they win it most every year.
BobSacamano
They’re excellent at extracting the most value out of most of their FA. Many teams would make a trade (like Ottavino deal) for Ender Inciarte if attached with a prospect. His contract stinks, but far from the..stinkiest.
I can only hope my Tigers are taking notes! Spread the wealth throughout the diamond not just the 1 percenters.
Play to win the division.. if you can catch fire in October GREAT! You cannot and won’t successfully out spend the top tier! But most importantly, never-ever, sell the farm. Trust the process draft-develop. We would gladly take Anthopoulos and co, Antonetti, and Neander!!
BigDJohn
Yeah, going cheap. Give me a break, Braves had an opening day payroll last year of around $155mil. Cheap teams don’t have payrolls that big, get a clue for once.
bravesfan
Would love TM… a move between the O’s and Braves for TM makes a ton of sense. Higher risk move for the Braves though. Just don’t know with his health / covid if he’s even gonna come back in a shell of his 2019 self
bravos14
I’d actually prefer Santander over TM, less risk IMO and similar upside. Santander was playing well last season before his oblique injury and flashed lots of potential in 2019.
BigDJohn
How does he have less risk?
Orioles Fan
Santander is definitely not going anywhere
Orioles Fan
Trey is not going anywhere.
Ra
Trey will be arb 2 this winter, so there is a good chance he will be traded this year. Santander won’t be traded this year, you are correct.
TradeAcuna
I’m so glad more people finally realize I was right. The Braves don’t care – plain and simple!
If 2020s failure wasn’t enough to motivate to push for it all, then nothing ever will.
BigDJohn
ROFL,, yeah 1 game away from the World Series and they were a complete failure. Dude get real.
Cohn Joppolella
I’m still hoping the Braves can swing a trade for Bumgarner; he pretty much guaranties a trip to the NLCS.
BigDJohn
Funny, good one.
SoCalBrave
Pretty sure the Braves could win the world series in 5 games and “Allthegodshaveabandonedus” or “NoBumgardenEqualsNoNLDS” or whatever name he goes by now, would call it a failure because they didn’t sweep.
TradeAcuna
and this is the exact mindset from the fans that give the owners reason to not bother improving the product on the field. Why care if fans dont care!
2015, “We will spend money when we are ready”
2021, “We will spend money when we are ready”
GETBUCKETS
It’s worth a shot to check-in on Mancini, he’s a pretty solid hitter and player with 2 years of control. I know the Orioles value him but I think these are two good trade partners as we can part with a couple of our young arms, which I think would be of value to them.
Newcomb + 1 very young arm for Mancini?
Rsox
Not enough to get Mancini. The Braves don’t even know what to do with Newcomb but he’s likely headed to the bullpen if he’s on the opening day roster.
If the Braves do not bring back Ozuna than perhaps they should re-sign Duvall and sign Joc Pederson to platoon with him.
BigDJohn
Not enough what to get Mancini? You do realize that Baltimore has money issues which is why they are asking Mancini to take a deferred payment on his arbitration?
Rsox
They can’t be that poor that they could give Freddy Galvis $1.5 million and still be in the market for starting pitching.
Newcomb is not the frontline prospect he used to be. Unless the Braves are willing to give up Pache or Waters (keep in mind the Orioles likely have no interest in their Catchers since they have the number one catching prospect in Baseball) Newcomb and a lotto ticket are not getting Mancini
SoCalBrave
Mancini isn’t worth Pache or Waters. But Newcomb wouldn’t even bring them to the table either.
BigDJohn
They have to round out the roster with someone, and it won’t be with higher priced players if they are asking Mancini and Santander to take a deferred payment. When’s the last time you’ve heard someone being asked to take a deferred payment during arbitration, little alone someone taking a deferred payment on $4mil? It never happens. There are serious money issues with this club.
Rsox
Odd but doesn’t mean they are broke either. They found money to sign 17 international free agents. The Giants signed Anthony DeSclafani to a year contract with the majority of salary deferred to 2022, when he may be playing somewhere else. Teams are trying to get creative financially after making little money last year, it doesn’t mean gifting Mancini to the Braves or anyone else
BigDJohn
I never said they were broke, I said they have money issues and they are obviously pinching pennies wherever they can. As for DeSclafani he’ll be fully paid before he ever play’s for anyone else as he’ll be fully paid by 1st of March 2022. Also the Giants have a payroll currently that is over $100mil more than Baltimore, and have possibly other reasons for deferring payments, some of which may be from the players side.
jbigz12
Newcomb is an upside dart throw at this point. I’m sure the Orioles would take him but he’d be like the 3rd piece.depending on how strong the first was, of course. A Mancini trade is tough right now because there’s a lot of unknowns with him. He just came off a battle with cancer. It’s more likely you hear his name around the deadline.
Ra
The money issues are not that serious that they are going to dump Mancini’s salary, sorry. Asking players to take deferrals — which they declined — didn’t stop them from signing the players. Trey is affordable for them. You are reading way too much into this.,
Orioles Fan
I truly don’t see where are these veteran pitchers are at that the Orioles have contracts on the table. Maybe they will sign a couple of pitchers out of the Mexican league. Last year they got Valdez and nobody could hit that 65 to 70 mph curve. Maybe they will bring back Leblanc and Milone
ddd
Trade Ender to the Cubs for Craig Kimbrel.