The Diamondbacks have made another notable minor league signing with Jeff Passan reporting that they come to a deal with Trey Mancini. The former Orioles slugger is attempting another comeback bid with Arizona after sitting all of the 2024 season.
Comeback alert: Veteran 1B/OF Trey Mancini and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a minor league deal that includes an invitation to spring training, a source tells ESPN. Mancini, 32, didn’t play last year but has remained in shape and is looking to get back to MLB.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 7, 2025
At one point of his career, Mancini was a promising young slugger with the Baltimore Orioles. In 2019, he hit .291 with 35 home runs and a .899 OPS. He had a battle with cancer in 2020 and has yet to produce a season anywhere near as productive. He's bounced around with the Astros, Cubs, and Marlins. He last played at the major league level with the Cubs in 2023.
For the Diamondbacks, it's a chance to take a flyer on a once promising player and see if there is anything left. While the roster calculus might not be in Mancini's favor, the lack of first base depth prompted the signing. He'll compete with 27-year-old prospect Tristin English for first base reps if he stays with their Triple-A affiliate in Reno after spring.
At first base, the Diamondbacks have Josh Naylor as their primary starter. Pavin Smith is another option on the 40-man roster, but both hitters are left-handed. Mancini is a right-handed bat who could give Arizona a more favorable matchup in key situations. That could be something to consider when the team considers their final roster spot.
Interestingly enough, Mancini has no notable platoon splits for his career. He owns a .262/.328/.447 slash against lefties compared to a .263/.327/.449 against righties. With Randal Grichuk re-signed, there likely isn't a path to regular playing time without the team utilizing two spots towards the DH with little defensive coverage.