The Baltimore Orioles are beginning to recover from a rough start to the 2025 season under interim skipper Tony Mansolino. Entering Wednesday with a 37-48 record, the team still sits below expectations but remains just seven games out of the final wild card spot — with nearly half the season left to play.
If Baltimore hopes to make a third consecutive postseason appearance, it’ll need a lot to break in its favor — especially when it comes to staying healthy. Injuries have ravaged the roster, particularly the starting rotation, and multiple key hitters have missed significant time.
Chief among those absences is Ryan Mountcastle, who’s sidelined with a right hamstring injury until at least the end of July. His presence has been sorely missed in the heart of the batting order.
But help might be on the way…
Trey Mancini Could Be a Timely Solution
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, veteran first baseman Trey Mancini has opted out of his minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Mancini has been excelling in Triple-A, hitting .308 with an .895 OPS, 16 home runs, 16 doubles, and 62 RBI — strong numbers, even when accounting for hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League conditions. He last played in the majors in 2023 and sat out the 2024 season.
His decision to opt out suggests he believes a big-league opportunity is within reach — and a return to Baltimore might be the perfect fit. Mancini, a former fan favorite who spent six seasons with the O’s and overcame colon cancer in 2020, could address several current needs.
A Versatile Option On and Off the Field
Mancini could serve as a platoon partner or backup at first base, taking some of the load off Ryan O’Hearn, who’s been productive but isn’t typically an everyday starter. Mancini’s presence would let O’Hearn continue to contribute offensively as a designated hitter.
Additionally, Mancini has some experience in the corner outfield spots — and while not known for his glove, his versatility could help fill in for the oft-injured Tyler O’Neill and other underperforming outfielders.
Off the field, Mancini’s return could give the fanbase a morale boost. The Orioles currently rank eighth-worst in average attendance across MLB, with more than 5,500 fewer fans per game compared to last year. Mancini was a beloved figure in Baltimore, and his comeback from cancer further endeared him to fans during some otherwise difficult seasons.
A Low-Risk, High-Upside Reunion
From Mancini’s point of view, it depends on his priorities. If he’s chasing another championship — having won a World Series with Houston in 2022 — he may prefer a contender. But if he’s looking for regular playing time and a familiar environment, Baltimore is a logical landing spot. A shorter left field fence at Camden Yards this season could even give his power numbers a boost.
For the Orioles, signing Mancini carries little downside. He’s not expected to singlehandedly reverse the team’s fortunes, and if things don’t work out, it won’t derail the franchise’s broader plans.
With just a few weeks left before the trade deadline, the front office still has to determine whether to buy or sell. Should they choose the latter, Ryan O’Hearn could become a valuable trade chip — opening the door for Mancini to take on an even bigger role in the second half.