Why Trey Mancini makes sense for the Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins have had a disappointing season, but adding Trey Mancini would be a welcomed addition to this ball club.
Mancini played his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles and was traded to the World Series champions, Houston Astros at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline. Despite having a good season with Baltimore, Mancini struggled with the Astros.
2022 season stats:
- Baltimore: 92 G, .268/.347/.404, 10 HR, 41 RBI, 86 SO, 35 BB, 113 OPS+
- Houston: 51 G, .176/.258/.364, 8 HR, 22 RBI, 49 SO, 18 BB, 75 OPS+
Some of the struggles could be from changing teams. Mancini was drafted in 2013 by the Orioles and was with the organization for nine years. He also successfully beat colon cancer and had the fanbase and team support throughout that difficult time. Getting traded midseason could have played an impact on his regression with the Astros.
2022 wasn’t his only good season with the Orioles, so he should be able to bounce back in 2023. Getting traded to a high-expectation team like the Astros puts a lot of pressure on a player.
If he were to sign with the Twins, he would be back in a small market. Minnesota does a good job of making players feel like family, and I believe that would appeal to a player like Mancini.
The Twins need another bat in their lineup. They’re not going to be able to replace Carlos Correa, but they do need another offensive outlet. Last season, Minnesota’s offense went missing far too many times.
If the Twins were to sign the 30-year-old designated hitter, they can expect to get 20 home runs and close to 70 RBIs.
It’s likely he’ll mostly be used as a DH, but he can play right field and first base. Those two positions could potentially be unknown as the season goes along.
The Twins have Joey Gallo/Max Kepler in right, and Luis Arraez/Jose Miranda/Alex Kirilloff at first.
- Gallo: Could not work out
- Kepler: Likely traded
- Arraez: Longterm not a first baseman/could be traded
- Miranda: Will primarily play third base
- Kirilloff: Health concerns
Not only could the Twins use another bat in the lineup, but we also don’t know what kind of production they will get from their RF and 1B positions. If they had the choice, they’d prefer Mancini more at first than in right, but he can move to the outfield if need be.
Mancini is exactly what Minnesota needs; he brings offense and position versatility. If they can sign him to a one or two-year deal with a player option, then it could be the steal of the offseason.