Chicago Cubs Rumors: Trey Mancini still a possibility for the team

When the Chicago Cubs signed free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer earlier this week, the expectation was that the team would shift the remainder of the focus this offseason toward improving their bullpen. Prior to the signing of Hosmer, the Cubs had been linked to veteran first baseman Trey Mancini and the idea was Mancini could serve as a platoon partner with first base prospect Matt Mervis. The idea of the Cubs signing Mancini appeared to be dispelled with the addition of Hosmer but Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic does not rule out the idea.

Mervis should still get a shot to make the team out of camp, but there’s now the insurance of an established first baseman should he need more time in Iowa. If Hoyer doesn’t spend the rest of his remaining budget on veterans for the bullpen, he can still look to add another more powerful bat. He could still choose to pursue the right-handed Trey Mancini, who could get time at first with Hosmer as a platoon situation and also DH. Hoyer could look to upgrade third base and have Wisdom get more time at first as well. Trades to upgrade either corner infield spot are possible, especially if it comes with little financial commitment for 2023.

The addition of Mancini would all but rule out Mervis opening the 2023 season at the Major League level. It would seem unlikely that the Cubs would want to take up three roster spots on players that do not have positional flexibility outside of first base. Under that scenario, if Mervis begins the season with the Iowa Cubs and continues his offensive success, there would be a path to bring him to the Major League level if Hosmer struggles. The Cubs are paying Hosmer the league minimum so there would definitely be an opportunity for the team to waive him in-season.

If the Cubs do look for an offensive upgrade, chances are it would be at the third base position. Rafael Devers signing an 11-year extension with the Boston Red Sox definitely may have altered the Cubs' long-term plans but a player such as Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman could be a name to watch.