The Chicago Cubs made a key move on August 1, 2023, when they designated first baseman Trey Mancini for assignment. Some found this move surprising given that Mancini had previously signed a fully guaranteed two-year, $14 million contract with the Cubs. This difficult decision was made, nonetheless, because his performance this year had fallen short of the team’s expectations.
Mancini had a difficult time at the plate during the current MLB season, hitting only.234 with four home runs and 28 RBI in 79 games. His wRC+ of 74 and OPS of.635 were both well below average, showing a dearth of offensive output. Mancini’s defense again fell short of expectations as he alternated between first base, right field, and designated hitter while receiving below-average grades in each of the first two positions.
In his career, Trey Mancini has seen both highs and lows. In 2016, he made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles, appearing in just five games. A.293 batting average, 24 home runs, and 78 RBI helped him establish himself as a regular starter in 2017, though, and that performance helped him take third in the vote for the American League Rookie of the Year.
Mancini had his best-ever season in 2019, hitting.291 with a.899 OPS, 35 home runs, 97 RBI, and 35 doubles. Tragically, he received a cancer diagnosis in 2020, which prevented him from playing throughout the shorter season. The American League recovery Player of the Year title was given to him in 2021 despite his successful recovery, which included 21 home runs, 71 RBI, and a.758 OPS.
Jeimer Candelario, a third baseman, was just acquired by the Cubs, signaling a change in how they are building their squad.
It was obvious that several players would run the danger of losing their positions on the Major League squad with the signing of Candelario. Mancini found himself in that perilous situation, which prompted the club to decide to assign him.
The Cubs have a number of possibilities to consider at first base moving forward. They may consider Patrick Wisdom, Miguel Amaya, and Cody Bellinger on the major league roster in addition to Candelario. Also waiting in Triple-A is first base prospect Matt Mervis, who has a promising minor league slash line of .297/.400/.553.
There is still optimism that Mancini may succeed with another organization, building on his prior successes and standout performances throughout his MLB career. Despite his problems with the Cubs. The return of Jeimer Candelario carries the possibility of a new chapter for the team’s first base position as the Cubs go on with their reorganized squad.
With his designation for assignment, Trey Mancini’s time with the Chicago Cubs came to an end. Other players will now have opportunities as a result of the team’s decision, most notably Jeimer Candelario, who will now return to the active squad. The Cubs’ executive office’s dedication to building a competitive team demonstrates their desire to field their best players as they continue to pursue league success.
