Cubs Signing Trey Mancini to 2-Year Deal
Looks like we got a surprise CubsCon signing after all. Michael Cerami tweeted Saturday morning that the Cubs were still in on Trey Mancini and Jesse Rogers is reporting that the Cubs have indeed reached an agreement with the first baseman/DH. It’s reportedly a two-year deal with an opt-out, but we’re still waiting on more details.
News: Free agent Trey Mancini is in agreement with the Cubs on a 2 year deal which includes an opt out, sources tell ESPN.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) January 15, 2023
Jed Hoyer said Saturday that the Cubs were still working on some things, so there’s probably at least one more significant move yet to come. That will be a bullpen addition, perhaps even a reunion with lefty Andrew Chafin. Sahadev Sharma reported that the Cubs are interested in both Chafin and Matt Moore, so it’s likely we’ll hear more on that front soon.
Mancini will probably serve as the primary DH and platoon partner for Eric Hosmer at first base, though that could mean limited opportunities and maybe even Triple-A for Matt Mervis. Then again, Mervis offers a great deal more power than either veteran at this point, which should be a priority for a team that really needs to boost its offense. Perhaps a three-way timeshare across those two spots will work, though Mancini can also man a corner outfield spot from time to time.
More to come.
Per Bruce Levine, it’s a $14 million deal with up to $7 million more in plate appearance bonuses. That seems a bit extreme and also quite unlikely, but triggering those bonuses will mean Mancini is playing well enough to be the n he lineup every day. He can opt out of the deal if he reaches 350 PAs in 2023, which is a pretty low total.
Cub news- Trey Mancini gets two years $14 million guarantee.Bonuses can add another $7 million from PA totals. Mancini can opt out if he gets 350 PA in 2023.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) January 15, 2023
