The search for power bats in the Chicago Cubs' lineup has continued into this offseason as they mull their options in free agency.
One who they were reportedly interested in is now off the market after agreeing to a deal with their division rivals.
Perhaps when they took a swing on another slugging first baseman last offseason, which didn't work out, it swayed them to not ultimately pursue Rhys Hoskins coming off of his injury.
Either way, options are becoming more and more limited as players are finding their new homes.
Former Cubs' slugging first baseman, Trey Mancini, is now in that camp after reportedly inking a minor league deal with the Miami Marlins according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
Mancini signed a two-year, $13 million contract with Chicago in free agency last year after winning a World Series title with the Houston Astros in 2022.
The power hitter struggled after getting moved by the Baltimore Orioles to the Astros at the trade deadline, but still added some pop to their lineup with a .364 slugging percentage, eight home runs and 22 RBI in 51 games.
Mancini was largely brought in to the fix the first base issues that the Cubs experienced in 2023. However, he struggled on offense, posting a slash line of .234/.299/.336 with only four home runs and 28 RBI across 79 games.
Chicago designated him for assignment in August before releasing him.
The 31-year-old then signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, before being released a week later.
Now, Mancini will look to get his career back on track with the Marlins and work his way onto the team with a strong showing in Spring Training.
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