Trey Mancini Was Eyeing Retirement — Then the Angels Cut Him After Just Five Games

Fresh off one of the more improbable comeback stories in recent memory, Trey Mancini is suddenly back on the open market. The Los Angeles Angels designated the veteran first baseman/outfielder for assignment Wednesday, a move that raised eyebrows even in a season already full of head-scratching decisions from the club.

Mancini, 34, hadn’t played in the majors since 2023 and was preparing to walk away from the game entirely before the Angels came calling. He signed a minor league deal, earned a call-up, and got into five games — slashing .308/.286/.462 across 14 plate appearances. It was a tiny sample, sure. But it hinted the old pop was still there.

Why Now?

The corresponding move was the activation of infielder Vaughn Grissom from the injured list. Grissom, acquired in the Chris Sale trade with Boston this offseason, has yet to make an impact this year and was playing rehab games in the minors. The Angels needed a 40-man spot, and Mancini became the casualty.

On the surface, the timing feels odd. The Angels have the second-worst record in the American League at 30–44 entering play Wednesday. Burying a well-liked veteran who had just started to produce — even in a small window — seems like a missed opportunity to see if something was there. Fans online noted that the team is eight games back in the division and hasn’t found consistent production from several lineup spots.

The organization has not commented specifically on why they chose this moment to cut ties, but sources indicate it was purely a numbers decision. The Angels valued Grissom’s potential over Mancini’s short-term contributions.

What’s Next for Mancini?

He cleared waivers and was outrighted to the minors after going unclaimed. As a veteran with more than five years of service time, he has the right to elect free agency instead of accepting an assignment to Triple-A. Given that several contenders are looking for right-handed bench bats, it would not be a shock to see him sign elsewhere within the week.

According to league sources, at least two teams have already expressed mild interest in Mancini’s services. His performance against left-handed pitching has historically been strong, and the .462 slugging percentage he flashed in Anaheim — however brief — still shows up in scouting reports.

Mancini’s career has been defined by resilience, from his comeback after colon cancer surgery to winning the 2021 AL Comeback Player of the Year award with Baltimore. Whether he gets another shot or decides that five games was a fitting final chapter remains to be seen.

One thing is clear: the Angels are betting on Grissom’s upside. Whether that bet pays off while Mancini is helping another team is a question the front office will have to answer soon.