We’ll keep an eye on all off-season moves involving Italian American players.
Trey Mancini Signs with Cubs
Past IABF honoree Trey Mancini has a new home after signing a two-year deal with the Cubs. He recently helped the Astros win a World Series in 2022. He spent the bulk of his career in Baltimore where he captured the nation’s spirit while battling cancer, earning AL Comeback Player of the Year honors and participating in the MLB Home Run Derby. Mancini was presented the IABF Tommy Lasorda Award in 2021.
Tim Locastro Signs with Mets
The Mets signed Tim Locastro to a minor-league deal and invited him to Major League spring training. He played in 38 games with the Yankees last season and is a speedy option off-the-bench.
Nathan Eovaldi Signs with Texas
Starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi signed a two-year deal worth $34 million with the Texas Rangers. He was in Boston for five seasons and helped the Red Sox win a World Series in 2018. He is 67-68 with a career 4.16 ERA.
Adam Ottavino Returns to Mets
Relief pitcher and New York native Adam Ottavino resigned with the Mets on a two-year, $14.5 million deal. He had a 2.06 ERA in 66 appearances last season.
Joey Gallo Signs 1-year Deal with Twins
Joey Gallo is back in the American League and will play for Rocco Baldelli and the Minnesota Twins in 2023. His one-year deal is worth $11 million. He combined for 19 homers and 47 RBI between the Yankees and Dodgers last season.
Andrew Benintendi Signs 5-year Deal with White Sox
Former Red Sox, Royals and Yankees outfielder Andrew Benintendi has signed with the Chicago White Sox for five years and $75 million. He was one of the top outfielders on the market and hit .304 last year.
Ben DeLuzio Signs Minor League Deal with Cubs
Italia team member Ben DeLuzio has signed a minor league deal with the Cubs and will compete for a big league roster spot. DeLuzio, an outfielder on the Mission Classic journey to Italy with IABF and FIBS, is on the Italia WBC roster. He spent most of the 2022 season in Triple A with the Cardinals and was a late season call up, playing in 65 big league games, including two late inning appearances in the wild card series.
Brandon Nimmo Resigns with New York Mets
Wyoming native Italian American Brandon Nimmo signed an eight-year deal worth $162 million to remain with the New York Mets. He is no stranger to the IABF, as he has attended several of our galas in years past, and we’re looking forward to seeing him in the New York area for years to come.
Justin Verlander Signs Two-Year Deal with New York Mets
The future Baseball Hall of Famer and pitching legend is headed to New York on a two-year $86-million deal. Verlander is Italian on his mother’s side.
Rizzo Signs Two Year Deal with Yankees
The Yankees resigned their first baseman Anthony Rizzo to a two-year deal worth $40 million.
“The main reason I wanted to come back is because I love being a Yankee,” Rizzo told MLB.com. “I’ve been very fortunate to spend a lot of time in Chicago with the Cubs, an iconic franchise there. And now to be a part of this iconic franchise is amazing, to be able to be a part of it for at least two more years. To be in a big market, to be under the bright lights, to have that 24/7 scrutiny is one of the many things I love about this game.”
Miles Mastrobuoni traded to Cubs
Mastrobuoni, who was on the Mission Classic trip to Italy, was traded from the Rays to the Cubs. He had just flown to the Dominican Republic for winter ball when the news broke. A versatile infielder and outfielder, he hit .300 in Triple-A last season and was called up to the big leagues in September.
