First baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini has been released by the Reds, reports Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Mancini, 31, just signed a minor league deal with the Reds a week ago. In five games for Triple-A Louisville, he hit two home runs in 19 plate appearances and slashed .316/.316/.737. Despite that strong showing, he’s been cut loose.
Speculatively speaking, it’s possible that Mancini had some kind of opt-out in his deal, allowing him to return to the open market. By doing so now, he could sign with another club prior to September 1 and thus be postseason eligible with whatever club signs him. Or perhaps the Reds knew they weren’t going to squeeze him onto their roster in the coming days and merely released him as a courtesy, so that he could seek out other opportunities.
Cincy has Christian Encarnacion-Strand getting the bulk of the first base playing time at the moment with Nick Martini mashing in the designated hitter slot in a small sample of eight games. The corner outfield mix consists of Will Benson, Nick Senzel, Stuart Fairchild and TJ Hopkins. Previously, Spencer Steer was in that mix but he seems ticketed for second base work with Matt McLain landing on the injured list recently.
Whatever the reasons for Mancini’s release, it doesn’t appear to be performance-based, as his batting line in that small Triple-A sample was excellent. But prior to joining the Reds, he had been struggling in the big leagues with the Cubs. After signing a two-year, $14MM deal coming into this year, he hit .234/.299/.336 and was released in early August. That means he’s free to sign with any club for the prorated league minimum, with the Cubs remaining on the hook for the majority of the salary.
He will now presumably try to find another team to sign with in the next 30 hours or so. Despite his rough showing this year, he brings plenty of experience to the table, along with a solid track record. In 831 career games, he’s hit .263/.328/.448 for a wRC+ of 108. Defensively, he’s best suited to first base but has also spent some time in the outfield corners.
Tough business sports but some times your time has come and you need to take your millions and go fishing. A good player for a while but his time has come.
with the Pirates trading Santana and Mancinis Bread being a staple in Pittsburgh, maybe they make a deal next year.
2024 Pirates 1 year 1.5 mil
he’s only 31 so should get at least one more shot despite falling apart past 3 years.
He should prob take the rest of this season off tho
I would think the reason is to clear a spot for Giolito, or someone else the Angels released. If I were the Reds, I’d probably claim Moore, Lopez, and Gio..
May as well take a shot.
This was my initial thought too but I don’t think he was on the 40. The writers speculation of an opt out or giving him a chance to make a playoff teams roster is the most likely imo
Good point. Doesn’t look like he was. One way or the other though, they have a rare opportunity to make their pitching staff worlds better for nothing (even though Gio is meh)..I’m not even a Reds fan, but I hope they take the chance.
It seems they are preparing to claim some/all of the Angels/White Sox’s players.
Sucks to be this level of veteran in what should be prime earning years and he’s quadruple A.
Mancini release was a courtesy. The signing was a head-scratcher anyways. They’re definitely not adding to their payroll. Ownership’s m.o. is being cheap.
Lol so you don’t think they will take on any of these guys that’s got dropped by the Angels or Bader…..They def will
Why would a team still in the playoff hunt let go of a player so he can catch on with a competitor? Mancini then goes all Brian Doyle on them in a key game.
Probably bc they view Renfroe, Grichik, Bader or bats they already have as more valuable.
Mancini is not on the 40. So he doesn’t really affect what the Reds do going forward.
A very gentlemanly release for him to latch on with a playoff team. Who could use a Mancini? Geeze I sound like i’m taking drink orders.
They chose to stick with a Martini instead. Olive it!
That’s a dirty joke kind sir!
I can’t keep up… i must have Alzhimers
What is this Brominated vegetable oil they put in my soda for again?
Alzheimers!
Mancini pulls a Houdini
Ok that’s enough. No more commenting from you tonight. End of discussion.
Your welcome.
Hope someone takes a flyer on Mancini. Great guy. Great teammate. Didn’t find his stroke post-trading deadline last year, but he is probably still got some left in the tank.
Trey needs rampant tattoos and crazy beard/hair to get in the current vibe.
Absolutely disgusting that they would treat a cancer survivor like this.