Veteran outfielder has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball.
He who last played in 2023, joined the Los Angeles Angels during the offseason in hopes of making a comeback. However, his stint with the club was brief, as the Angels released him in June after just five games.
He said he realized his playing career was likely over after being designated for assignment, unless another team claimed him. Still, he chose not to announce his retirement right away and wanted to give himself time to process the decision.
The 34-year-old said he was ultimately pleased that he gave his comeback attempt a chance, even though it did not last long. After experiencing the return to baseball in 2026, Mancini felt comfortable officially closing the chapter on his MLB career.
He spent eight seasons in the majors, with six of those coming as a member of the Baltimore Orioles. He later played for the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs, capturing a World Series championship with Houston in 2022.
His career was interrupted in 2020 when he was diagnosed with colon cancer, forcing him to miss the pandemic-shortened season. A malignant tumor was surgically removed in March of that year, and Mancini was declared cancer-free by November.
He made his return in 2021, starting at first base for the Orioles on Opening Day. Later that season, the right-handed hitter participated in the Home Run Derby, advancing to the finals before falling to New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso. Mancini finished the event with 59 total home runs.
Mancini finishes his MLB career with a .263/.327/.448 batting line, along with 129 home runs across 836 games.
