MLB Rumors: Will Red Sox Sign Newly-Released Slugger, Former AL East Rival?

If Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is looking for an upgrade at first base, here’s an option which won’t cost Boston a thing. Well, except for cash.

“Trey Mancini exercised his opt-out with the Arizona Diamondbacks and is now a free agent, source tells @TheAthletic,” Ken Rosenthal reported Tuesday.

“(He) batted .363 with nine homers, 26 RBIs and a 1.125 OPS for Triple A Reno in June – impressive numbers, even in a hitter-friendly environment,” Rosenthal added.

Mancini, 33, can play first base as well as both corner outfield positions. He last played in the majors in 2023 with the Chicago Cubs. In 2022, Mancini helped the Houston Astros win the World Series.

Mancini burst onto the scene in 2017 with the Baltimore Orioles, slugging 24 home runs and finishing third in voting for American League Rookie of the Year. In 2019, Mancini posted his best season in the big leagues: 35 home runs, 97 RBIs and 38 doubles with an .899 OPS.

The Orioles traded Mancini to the Astros before the deadline in 2022. He signed with the Cubs ahead of the 2023 season and played in 79 games for Chicago. Mancini tried to catch on last season with the Marlins but Miami released him in March.

The Red Sox have been using a platoon at first base since losing Triston Casas in May to a season-ending knee injury, with Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro getting shots in the field. Boston also has highly-touted prospect Kristian Campbell getting some reps at first base while playing for Triple-A Worcester.