Cubs Make Trey Mancini Deal Official, Designate LHP Anthony Kay

The Cubs officially announced Friday that they have signed Trey Mancini, nearly a week after it was reported that they had agreed to terms on a two-year, $14 million contract. You probably already know enough about him by now that you’ll be okay if I dispense with further analysis of how he fits into the plan for 2023, so I’d like to pivot to the corresponding move. Though it might not seem like much, designating lefty pitcher Anthony Kay for assignment could signal another deal in the near future.

The Cubs just claimed Kay on December 23 to add a little southpaw depth to a bullpen that lacks it, parting with Anthony Rivas to make room on the roster. Kay does have an option remaining, so the Cubs might simply be trying to sneak him through waivers to keep him in the organization without taking up a 40-man spot. Even if that is the case, they’ve been connected to some of the veteran lefty relievers on the market and could be looking for more of a sure thing.

Fan favorite Andrew Chafin has been mentioned, along with the well-traveled Matt Moore, plus you’ve got Will Smith and Zack Britton looking for jobs. Being able to land one of those lefties may have had the Cubs more willing to DFA Kay rather than, say, Michael Rucker.