CHICAGO — Eric Hosmer arrived at the Cubs convention this weekend as the Cubs’ new veteran first baseman, wearing a sleek blue Cubbie blazer. Prospect Matt Mervis made his way through the Sheraton Grand Chicago, where fans lined up to get the future first baseman’s autograph.
And on Saturday night, as Cubs fans toasted the upcoming season with one day left in the convention, it was revealed that first baseman Trey Mancini was also in the North Siders’ plans. A source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that Mancini has agreed to a two-year deal with the Cubs pending an investigation.
The Cubs have not confirmed the deal, which includes an opt-out after the 2023 season, according to Feinsand. The financial aspect of the contract was also initially unknown.
Earlier Saturday at the Cubs convention, Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations, noted that left-hander Hosmer “would play right-handers any day.” That left open the possibility of a draw situation with a right-hander. Mancini fits that mold.
Hosmer said “everything” about the Cubs’ situation was appealing.
“It’s just a young, energetic group,” Hosmer said. “If you look in from the other side, you see the talent, you see the guys who are on the way up and some of the signs they’ve made.”
Before Hosmer got to a league minimum deal — San Diego is on the hook for the remainder of his previous contract, which runs through 2025 — the Cubs signed free agents Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger and Jameson Taillon, among others.
“It just seems like a really good group and it seems like a wide-open division,” Hosmer said. “And that these guys could have a really good chance. And I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Hoyer thinks there could be a real “change of scene” in Hosmer’s situation.
“In San Diego he went, he signed a big contract,” said Hoyer. “He had a good couple of years but obviously things weren’t going the way they hoped and they moved on. And it wasn’t the most comfortable environment when that happened. And I think it’s good to bring him into our environment years left.”
Mancini, who was named the American League’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2021 after a comeback from Stage 3 colon cancer, has come off a solid 22-point performance between the Orioles and Astros. He belted 18 home runs with 63 RBIs but struggled (.622 OPS) after a midseason trade to Houston.
Mancini’s best season was 2019 when he had 35 homers and .899 OPS on a breakout for Baltimore. Throughout his career, he has notably even splits against right-handers (.265/.330/.456) and left-handers (.266/.331/.459).
Hosmer has four Gold Glove Awards, but the advanced defensive metrics have not boded well for him in recent years. On the plate, he had 2022 reverse splits (0.773 OPS vs lefty compared to 0.693 OPS vs righty), but he’s fared better against righties (0.810 OPS) than righties (0.668 OPS). in his career.
On the field, Mancini, 30, also has experience in both corners of the outfield, but the fit with the Cubs would be at first base, where he was a plus defender. Patrick Wisdom can also play first and get to the bats as a designated hitter, but he can also stay in third with Mancini on board.
Adding Mancini to first base and the DH picture could also mean Mervis’ most likely opening-day target is Triple-A Iowa. Last year, 24-year-old Mervis hit .309 with 36 homers, 119 RBIs and .984 OPS as he climbed through High-A, Double-A and Triple-A.
Before the addition of Hosmer and Mancini, Mervis (No. 21 on Pipeline’s Top 30 Cubs list) appeared to have a real way into Chicago’s opening day list. Now the Cubs could take a more typical development approach for a player not currently on the 40-man list.
“I’m not going to put any extra pressure on myself trying to make the team by playing a great game in spring training,” Mervis said. “These guys are smarter than that. They’re not going to see me hit a home run or whatever and be like, ‘Yeah, he’s ready.’ Obviously they will do a little more work and evaluate things as needed.”