On the field, former Baltimore Orioles outfielder Trey Mancini did a lot worth celebrating. After finishing as runner-up for the Rookie of the Year award, Mancini went on to post three more seasons with an above-average wRC+. He also helped the Houston Astros win a World Series in 2022. But Mancini's biggest accomplishment in the sport had little to do with his on-field production. Following his best season in the majors — in which he hit 35 home runs and somehow didn't make the All-Star team — Mancini announced he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He missed the entire 2020 MLB season while in recovery. Later that year, he announced he was cancer-free and returned to play four more seasons in MLB. After a few at-bats with the Los Angeles Angels this season, however, Mancini officially decided to hang up his cleats Tuesday. He announced his decision on Instagram, making sure to pay special tribute to Orioles fans.
Trey Mancini officially announces his retirement on IG: “To every fan, especially those in Birdland— your support over the years meant the world to me.” pic.twitter.com/1ME5nIEz4M — Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) August 18, 2026
In his note, Mancini thanked fans, his family, his wife and daughter, teammates, coaches and — most notably — athletic trainers and doctors.
"I would also like to give a special thank you to both the athletic trainers during my time as an Oriole and my doctors at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Simply put, your proactivity and expertise saved me life, and I am forever indebted to you all."
After missing the 2020 MLB season, Mancini hit .255/.326/.432, with 21 home runs in his first year back. That performance was good enough for a 105 wRC+, better than league average. It also earned him the AL Comeback Player of the Year award. He got out to another strong start in 2022, but was eventually traded to the Astros. While Mancini didn't hit well with his new team, he did go on to win the World Series that season.
Mancini struggled with the Chicago Cubs in 2023. He spent 2024 out of baseball and played in the minor leagues in 2025. He re-emerged with the Angels this season, seeing a brief period in the majors in June before the team designated him for assignment. Mancini cleared waivers, paving the way for him to return to Triple-A, but he opted instead to become a free agent. Mancini, however, did not sign with another team, instead choosing to retire from baseball Tuesday.