His return to MLB was impressive, while his status as a fan favorite was clear. Heand AL Comeback Player of the Year honors in a 2021 season in which he hit .255/.326/.432 with 21 homers, then was on his way to another solid season this year when the Orioles made the controversial decision to trade him to the Astros.
The Mancini trade was an odd one, as the Orioles hadn't entirely ruled out pushing for a postseason berth. Mancini was a popular player, but also a pending free agent for a team very focused on the future. The upside for Mancini was clear, though. He was on a much better team, and headed to the playoffs for the first time of his career.
Mancini's performance at the plate as an Astro wasn't exactly the stuff of legend , but there may have no defensive play more pivotal for the Astros than a lead-saving catch at first base in the eighth inning of Game 5.