First baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini has not appeared in the majors since 2023. That does not mean he is ready to call it a career.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Mancini has signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels. This contract also reunites Mancini with Angels hitting coach Brady Anderson, who he credits with saving his career.
Mancini was a key part of the Orioles lineup from 2017 through 2019, posting a .275/.334/.480 batting line in 1901 plate appearances, hitting 83 homers and 87 doubles. His ability to play both corner outfield spots and first base made Mancini a versatile weapon in Baltimore.
Trey Mancini could have opportunity with Los Angeles Angels
His career came to a sudden halt in 2020. Mancini was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer ahead of the 2020 season, costing him the entire year. He announced nine months later that he was cancer-free and made an inspirational return to the Orioles in 2021. Mancini posted a .255/.326/.432 batting line in his 616 plate appearances, hitting 21 homers and 33 doubles as he was named the AL Comeback Player of the Year.
Mancini had a strong start with the Orioles in 2022 before he was sent to the Astros as part of a three-team deal at the trade deadline. His productivity cratered in Houston as he posted a .176/.258/.364 batting line with eight homers and seven doubles in 186 plate appearances for the Astros.
The Cubs signed Mancini to a two-year, $14 million contract during the 2022-23 offseason, hoping that he could regain the form he showed with the Orioles. Instead, he was one of the worst players in the majors, posting a .233/.299/.336 batting line in 263 plate appearances, hitting four homers and eight doubles. The Cubs released Mancini after the 2023 trade deadline, marking his final appearance in the majors.
After sitting out the 2024 season, Mancini had a strong showing with the Diamondbacks Triple-A team in 2025. He had worked with Anderson in 2024 to get back on track and showed positive results during his time in Reno. Mancini had a .308/.373/.522 batting line with 16 homers and 16 doubles before opting out of his contract.
The Angels could be Mancini’s best chance at returning to the majors. First baseman Nolan Schanuel has been middling at best since being rushed to the majors in 2023. Outfielder Mike Trout has been injury-prone and may be moved back to center, potentially creating an opportunity in the corner outfield. The Angels’ depth is questionable, giving Mancini a possible opening if he can have a strong showing in spring training.