Cubs Keep Adding – Bring in Trey Mancini

Cubs Keep Adding – Bring in Trey Mancini

The Cubs began the off-season with the intent of spending money to improve their lineup. That was what the industry thought, but some in the industry were skeptical that they would actually spend the money. They certainly live up to their promises.

Although they haven’t blown the vault doors open as much as the Mets, they have been active on the free agents market. They made a huge splash – shelling out a seven-year, $177 million contract to superstar shortstop Dansby Swanson. They also brought in former National League MVPs Cody Bellinger A one-year, $12.5 Million pact was signed. They signed Eric Hosmer To add left-handed thump to their mix, they signed a one-year contract. A great defensive catcher was also added. Tucker Barnhart To share the work behind the dish Yan Gomes.

On Saturday, they made another move – agreeing to a two-year, $14 million contract with Trey Mancini. On the surface, it seems like a good deal. Mancini is a player the Cubs expressed interest from the beginning of the off season and they were able bring him in on an affordable contract. He adds strength to the right-hand side of a dish and helps lengthen the lineup. It’s important to note that this adds another obstacle to your chances of succeeding. Matt Mervis Cracking the club’s Opening Day roster.

Mervis was being viewed by fantasy managers as an option to add value in his first season before the signings of Mancini & Hosmer. The 24-year-old slugger had a breakout season in 2022 – slashing a robust .309/.379/.606 with 36 long balls and 119 RBI over 137 games across three minor league levels. He went on to win the Arizona Fall League, and was named the MVP of Fall Stars Game. He has consistently been among the top-300 draft winners in early NFBC Draft Champions drafts. He has even been as high as pick 205.

While Mancini and Hosmer may not be the type of players that Mervis needs, they will hold him back. Hosmer should open the season as the club’s regular first baseman against right-handed pitching, with Mancini likely seeing time there against southpaws – and splitting his time between the outfield and the designated hitter slot when he’s not at first base. Mervis could remain at Triple-A Iowa longer than fantasy managers hope if Hosmer or Mancini perform well.

Shadev Sharma of The Athletic confirmed those suspicions on Saturday when he noted that Mervis will “almost certainly ” begin the 2023 campaign at Triple-A Iowa. If he keeps putting up the same gaudy numbers as he did in the 2022 season, Mervis will eventually force the issue and be able to command regular playing time at major league level.

From a fantasy perspective, Mervis is obviously the most interesting option of the trio – as he has the type of power that could make a major impact. Mancini has also been useful in the past and could be a bit more popular if he plays half of his games in the hitter-friendly Wrigley Field. Hosmer is the least interesting of the three – and it isn’t particularly close. Hosmer is not likely to be an asset at all levels of play, and he doesn’t have enough at-bats in which to make any meaningful contribution as a stats compiler.

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Montas Maligned

Jon Heyman and Dan Martin of the New York Post shared the sad news that Saturday’s right-hander was not a possibility. Frankie Montas Due to inflammation in his right shoulder, he will miss at most the first month of the regular seasons.

Nothing official has come from the YankeesMontas agreed to a $7.5m contract with Corey on Friday in order to avoid arbitration. But it sounds like the hard-throwing lefty is struggling with a similar shoulder issue that kept him out last year’s postseason run.

Montas is about two months behind in his offseason program. This will force him to accelerate into the first stages of the regular season. The Yankees should provide a timeline in the near future. Fantasy managers can expect Montas’ delayed start to the 2023 seasons. There’s also no guarantee what type of production he’ll provide once he is ready to go – the chance of ultimately requiring surgery is a risk that should be accounted for as well.

Domingo Germán and Clarke Schmidt The most likely option to fill his spot in the Yankees Opening Day rotation would be one of their internal options. They could also add another arm through free agency or on the trade market to fill the early-season void.

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MLB Quick Hits: The Padres have officially signed the catcher Ethan Salas – the top-ranked international prospect in the signing class according to MLB Pipeline – to a $5.6 million deal… The Mariners signed the second-ranked prospect – shortstop Felnin Celesten… The Dodgers signed Joendry Vargas – the third ranked international prospect according to MLB Pipeline… Kris Bryant (back, foot) told the Denver Post that he’s 100 percent healthy and won’t have any limitations or restrictions to begin spring training… The Rangers signed Yoshi Tsutsugo to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training… Roch Kubatko of MASN notes that the Orioles have maintained interest in signing free agent right-hander Michael Wacha… Former top prospect Lewis Brinson signed on with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball… The White Sox Left-handed signee Garrett Davila to a minor league deal… The Athletics brought back right-her Austin Pruitt on a minor league pact… The Tigers inked righty Trey Wingenter to a minor league contract… The Whie Sox signed Keynan Middleton to a minor league deal… The Padres brought in Domingo Tapia on a minor league contract… The Athletics agreed to terms with Cuban right-hander Luis Morales… The Yankees came to a $4.4 million accord with international prospect Brandon Mayea… The Pirates came to terms with right-hander Jun-Seok Shim – considered the best pitching prospect in this year’s international class… The Cubs have expressed interest in free agent left-handers Andrew Chafin and Matt Moore… Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) currently feels “amazing”, but is slightly behind his regular offseason schedule and is unsure if he’ll be ready in time for Opening Day…Levi Weaver of The Athletic reported that Brett Martin will undergo surgery on his left shoulder next week… The Rockies signed Harold Castro to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training… The Angels added Taylor Jones on a minor league deal… Luis Perdomo will head overseas after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Chiba Lotte Mariners of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball… The Mets acquired minor league outfielder Luis De La Cruz The Orioles complete their trade of James McCann… Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Red Sox You expressed interest in Jurickson Profar Elvis Andrus…