The Chicago Cubs made a key move over the weekend when they signed veteran slugger Trey Mancini to a two-year, $14 million contract.
The deal also includes a potential opt-out clause after the first year.
Mancini is just the latest addition to a young Cubs squad whose front office has been very active this winter.
Despite not being able to retain Willson Contreras, Chicago has added Jameson Taillon, Eric Hosmer, Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson, and Mancini.
On Twitter, MLB insider Jon Heyman revealed an interesting piece of Mancini’s new contract on the North Side of Chicago, that he can opt out if he reaches 350 plate appearances and can also earn an additional $7 million in incentives.
Mancini can opt out if he reaches 350 plate appearances in 2023. He can also earn an additional $7M in escalators/incentives https://t.co/EIFC4MTLBE
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 15, 2023
Mancini had somewhat of a down year in 2022.
The slugger began the season with the Baltimore Orioles and was traded to the Houston Astros at the trade deadline, where Mancini would ultimately earn his first World Series ring.
Though he hit 18 home runs, he hit just .239 during the regular season.
But the slugger’s new deal gives him a chance to prove himself again, and if he reaches a certain number of plate appearances, his opt-out clause will kick in.
And he can earn an additional $7 million as part of incentives.
Mancini isn’t too far removed from a solid season in 2021 and a 35-homer campaign in 2019.
He’ll likely serve as the Cubs designated hitter while occasionally taking reps at first base and in the outfield.
He’ll also have a chance to bounce back after a disappointing 2022 season.
