The Trey Mancini appears to be nearing an end for the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs signed Mancini to a two-year deal this past off-season worth $14MM but has failed to be the offensive run producer that the team was hoping for. In 263 plate appearances this season, Mancini is slashing .234/.299/.336 with 4 home runs and a wRC+ of 74.
With the acquisition of third baseman Jeimer Candelario on Monday, it seemed that one of Patrick Wisdom, Miguel Amaya, or Mancini would be in jeopardy of losing their spot on the Major League roster.
Early speculation was that the Cubs would option Amaya down to Triple-A but in another sign that the team is serious about their roster construction, Mancini appears to be on the verge of being removed from the team's Major League roster.
If it was not clear from the Cubs acquiring Candelario on Monday, Jed Hoyer and the team's front office is serious about shaping the roster so that the team's most talented players are on the roster.
For as many holes are present in Wisdom's swing, he leads the team with 18 home runs. Amaya has emerged as the long-term answer for the Cubs at the catching position and the team may prefer for the rest of his development to occur at the Major League level.
The idea of the Cubs moving on from Mancini likely will provide some insight into what the team plans to do at the first base position for the rest of this season. While Candelario is starting at first base tonight, the expectation is that he will be the everyday third baseman for the team. If that is the case, the Cubs may be planning on riding the hot hand of Mike Tauchman in center field while Cody Bellinger gets the majority of the starts at first base.
UPDATE 3:36 -
The Chicago Cubs announced that Mancini has been designated for assignment.