The trade deadline is not disappointing. Setting aside the players we all knew would be on the move (or have yet to be traded), we’re getting a few surprises along the way.
Trey Mancini had been involved in some rumors for any contender seeking a bat at the deadline, but he was hardly a sure-bet to be traded. Now, he’s reportedly headed to the Houston Astros, who were theoretical players for Willson Contreras (Updates below – it was a three-team trade!).
Note: Mancini is a free agent at the end of the season (mutual option that won’t be picked up) and is/was the longest tenured Oriole.
Obviously Mancini, a 1B/DH type, won’t stop the Astros from pursuing an upgrade behind the plate, but it does make it a little less likely, especially with a sure-fire DH already in house.
But this does take one of the right-handed bat alternatives off the table for the Mets and Padres, both of whom have been connected to the Cubs on at least Willson Contreras if not also Ian Happ. Again, these are all pretty different players at different positions, but there are only so many quality righty bats to add at the deadline and one just got scooped up.
More soon.
UPDATE: Well, I didn’t expect this to be a three-team trade, but here we are: The Rays are getting Jose Siri from the Astros in the deal, but it’s not yet clear what other parts are going to Baltimore.
UPDATE II: Jeff Passan has the full details …
Orioles Get: RHP Seth Johnson, and Chayce McDermott
Rays Get: OF Jose Siri
Astros Get: 1B/OF/DH Trey Mancini and RHP Jayden Murray