SARASOTA, Florida—The Orioles signed first baseman/designated hitter Trey Mancini to a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration. The agreement includes a mutual option on a 2023 contract.
After Mancini and the Orioles failed to agree on terms of a 2022 contract, executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias said that the Orioles would go to arbitration.
Mancini asked for $8 million; the Orioles countered with $7,375,000. According to a report by The Athletic, which was confirmed by an industry source, Mancini will receive $7.5 million this season, with a $250,000 buyout and a $10 million option for 2023.
Pitcher John Means, who will start on Opening Day for the second straight season, asked for $3.1 million; the Orioles’ offer was $2.7 million. Means will go to arbitration unless the Orioles also reach an agreement with him.
Elias said on March 23rd that it was team policy not to negotiate after arbitration figures were exchanged.
Mancini, who turned 30 last month, has been open about his desire to remain with the Orioles. There had been no indication that there were any discussions about an extension. It seemed likely that Mancini would be traded during the season.
Now, it’s possible that Mancini, who hit .255 with 21 home runs and 71 RBIs in 2021, could return to the Orioles in 2023. His numbers in 2021 came after he missed the 2020 season because of colon cancer.
Mancini received $4.75 million in 2020 and 2021, his first two years of arbitration eligibility.