The Chicago Cubs made some headlines this weekend when they signed veteran slugger Trey Mancini to a two-year, $14 million contract.
The deal includes an opt-out clause after the 2023 season, which could allow Mancini to hit the market again next offseason.
The 30-year-old slugger is the latest addition to a young Cubs team that appears ready to take the next step and bounce back into contention.
On Twitter, Cubs analyst and writer Sahadev Sharma revealed how Mancini fits into the team’s plans for 2023, discussing what the veteran’s role will be with his new squad.
Sources confirm Cubs are in agreement on a deal with Trey Mancini. @JesseRogersESPN had it first. Mancini will work at first and DH primarily. Cubs needed some more power and he'll certainly help.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) January 15, 2023
Mancini will likely split time between first base and designated hitter duties.
During his time with the Baltimore Orioles, Mancini was primarily used in the outfield, but played a little first base and occasionally served as a DH.
The veteran may see some time in the outfield, but with Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger, and Seiya Suzuki already filling the starting spots, it’s more likely that he will split time at first base with Eric Hosmer, creating what could be an interesting platoon.
The Cubs won just 74 games in 2022 and missed the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons.
But with additions like Mancini, Hosmer, Bellinger, Jameson Taillon, Dansby Swanson, and Tucker Barnhart, the Cubs look ready to step back into contention in 2023 and potentially even challenge the rival St. Louis Cardinals for the top spot in the NL Central.
Despite losing Willson Contreras, Chicago has been very active this offseason and are prepared to potentially surprise some people.
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