Well, well, well, look who’s active early on in free agent rumors. The Cubs have plenty of needs to address this offseason and it seems like getting a first baseman is near the top of their free-agent list. We already have reports of the Cubs having met or planning to meet with José Abreu, Josh Bell and Trey Mancini.
Cubs Trying to Sign Abreu Quickly?
According to Bruce Levine, the Cubs are hoping to jump in as soon as possible in talks with the long-time White Sox first baseman, who according to several reports will not return to the south side in 2023.
Via Bruce Levine.
Abreu, who will turn 36 in January, remains near the top of the Cubs’ wish list in free agency, as sources first told 670 The Score back in mid-October. He hit .304 with 15 homers, 78 RBIs and an .824 OPS in 157 games for the White Sox this past season. While his power numbers dipped, Abreu still has been named a Silver Slugger finalist and could help boost a Cubs offense that needs run-producing bats in the middle of the order.
If they get their way, the Cubs will act quickly in the Abreu sweepstakes in free agency.
Earlier this week, Levine also wrote the following for the Marquee Sports Network.
Sources indicate that the Cubs will express strong interest in Abreu once he becomes a free agent.
In addition to his ability to play every day into his mid-30s, Abreu’s leadership makes him an ideal fit with the Cubs in the short term. The Cubs are in need of offensive firepower in 2023 and Abreu would certainly help in that area.
Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins has also talked about Abreu on the Marquee Sports Network.
Chicago Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins said on Marquee Sports Network that free agent first baseman José Abreu is a player that the team will closely look at.
Hawkins: "He's an impressive player and a great guy in the clubhouse."
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) November 10, 2022
So yeah, there is A LOT of smoke surrounding the Cubs and Abreu. For now it seems as though getting Abreu is plan A for first base in 2023, when Matt Mervis will also get his shot at some playing time either there or at DH. But again, signing Abreu doesn’t really take playing time away from Mervis.
I’ve been on the sign Abreu bandwagon ever since reports came out that the White Sox were moving on from him. In my offseason Cubs plan, I have them signing Abreu to a two-year, $32 million contract.
Josh Bell Meeting
According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Cubs are planning to meet with switch-hitting first baseman Josh Bell. The 30-year-old had a brutal second half after he was traded to the Padres along with Juan Soto in the summer. However, Bell has been fairly consistent outside of the shortened 2020 season.
Here are some projected contracts from different outlets for Bell.
The Athletic: 3 years, $40 million
Fangraphs: 2 years, $18 million, 3 years, $39 million
ESPN: 2 years, $20 million
Bell is younger than Abreu, but the production hasn’t been as good. This seems like a clear plan B for the Cubs.
Cubs Meet With Trey Mancini
Jesse Rogers is also reporting that the Cubs have already met with free agent Trey Mancini.
The right-handed hitter will be 31-years-old once Opening Day arrives in 2023. Mancini was beloved with the Orioles and was then dealt to the Astros. He was brutal in the postseason, but still got a ring with Houston. Mancini was great in 2019, posting a career best .899 OPS, hitting 35 home runs in 154. Most fans know about his incredible return from colon cancer that led to him missing the 2020 season.
Not only did Mancini play in 2021 after battling cancer, he was still productive, hitting 21 home runs and recording a .758 OPS in 147 games.
However, out of the three names the Cubs have been linked to so far for first base, I do believe Mancini is clearly option number three. His defense at first is OK and although he can play in the outfield it’s not pretty. At the very least, the Cubs are casting a wide net just in case their plans don’t go as anticipated. Signing Mancini would be fine, but I still prefer Abreu.
Fangraphs estimates a contract of either one year for $12 million or two years for about $16 million to $18 million.
So, who would you prefer out of Abreu, Bell and Mancini?
Abreu would work for me, since it’s easy to spend somebody elses money. Easy for Abreu as he doesn’t have to change cities as well.