CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 21: President Jed Hoyer of the Chicago Cubs presents a jersey to Dansby Swanson. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
These two Chicago Cubs offseason decisions will payoff while this other will backfire.
The Chicago Cubs offseason has been a promising one with a few final moves possible before we get to Opening Day. It doesn’t seem like Chicago will pull off any blockbuster before the season begins. Fortunately, they have already gotten better in several ways.
No team will ever have a perfect offseason. Some decisions with payoff while others will backfire quickly.
For the Cubbies, a lot of what they did this winter as the potential to do one or the other. Right now, it looks like these two will get filed into a category of success while another is more likely to have them feeling regretful.
Cubs offseason decision that will pay off: Signing Trey Mancini
The market for Trey Mancini was dry by the time the Cubs did sign him. He’s signed a two-year deal worth $14 million. It’s actually less per season than he received last season at $7.5 million.
The bargain decision will payoff for the Cubs in a couple of ways. Mancini brings with him the ability to play first base and both corner outfield spots. He’s already a desirable trade chip if the year doesn’t go as planned.
Despite some down power numbers in the last two years, Mancini remains an above-average bat for the Cubs to add into their lineup. He fits in well alongside other offseason additions like Cody Bellinger with a ceiling they’ve reached before in the recent past.
A starter who can provide the Cubs with depth at multiple positions, the team will be thankful to have him in 2023 and maybe even in 2024 if he doesn’t opt out of his deal, an option if he reaches 350 plate appearances. His affordable contract makes him movable in a trade or over onto the bench if things don’t work out. It’s hard to see how this was a mistake.