The Chicago Cubs are quietly putting together a nice offseason.
They filled their roster with talent and potential bounce-back candidates: Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, Jameson Taillon, Eric Hosmer, and others.
The latest addition to the roster is first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini, who spent last season with the Baltimore Orioles and the Houston Astros.
He is expected to share first base duties with Hosmer as the righty-hitting option.
Cubs analyst Jesse Rogers likes the move on the Cubs side and understands the reasoning behind it, even if it will delay an extended look at first base prospect Matt Mervis.
“Mancini hit 18 home runs last year but that’s with the fences pushed back in Baltimore and then part time duty with the Astros. Should launch a few more at Wrigley. And obviously known as a great clubhouse guy,” he tweeted.
Mancini hit 18 home runs last year but that's with the fences pushed back in Baltimore and then part time duty with the Astros. Should launch a few more at Wrigley. And obviously known as a great clubhouse guy. https://t.co/AMXbQ3yjVQ
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) January 15, 2023
Despite his struggles in Houston in the second half, Mancini was able to be slightly above the league average when it comes to hitting production.
Between the two squads, he hit .239/.319/.391 with 18 round-trippers, 63 RBI and a 104 wRC+ (100 is considered league-average).
Wrigley Field represents a nice opportunity to hit some more home runs, but the competition for playing time makes it a but unlikely that he eclipses 25 or 30.
Still, he should be a productive option for the surging Cubs, and we can’t underestimate how good of a clubhouse presence he is.
After overcoming a stage-3 colon cancer diagnosis in 2020, he is a fan favorite around baseball and has become quite an example.
He has all the tools to have a successful stint in Chicago and still can help them achieve their objectives.
NEXT: The Cubs Have A Deep Lineup Entering 2023