The Chicago Cubs have actually had a really nice off-season so far. Adding shortstop Dansby Swanson is the biggest move that they made. He proved that he can be a superstar as he was in 2022 but he does have to prove that he can be that good offensively all the time in 2023.
In addition to that move, the Cubs have signed a few other veterans that have been impact players in the league before. Guys like Cody Bellinger and Eric Hosmer are hoping to have good years as they are with a new franchise that wants to give them a chance.
Now, there is another good veteran on his way in as the Chicago Cubs have signed Trey Mancini to a two-year deal that includes an opt-out. He adds some much-needed leadership in addition to the ability to play first base. It should end up being a pretty good infield now.
With Dansby Swanson, Christopher Morel, and Nico Hoerner, it could be an infield that plays well defensively and provides some extra offensive support to the rest of the team. With a catcher/leader like Willson Contreras on his way to a rival, this was a good move for the Cubs.
They are in danger of being excited and getting let down by a bunch of players that used to be really good. However, there is plenty of bounce-back potential here with this group. Someone as likable as Trey Mancini might be able to help everyone come in with good vibes.
Trey Mancini is going to provide a lot of good things for the Chicago Cubs.
Mancini is coming off an incredible year for himself. He didn’t have a world-beating regular season which was something he used to be able to do but he was solid. He started the year with the Baltimore Orioles before getting traded to the Houston Astros.
With those Astros, Mancini reached his lifelong dream of becoming a World Series champion. It was an incredible ride for him all season long. The Orioles were in the AL Wild Card race when they traded him but his expiring contract scared them into moving him.
It was tough for him to leave his team like that but it turned out to be a move that led to him becoming a champion. Now, the Cubs get him to come to play first base for them. He is certainly a player that makes them a better team as long as he is there. This is a great move.