In late December, the Chicago Cubs made a moderately head-scratching transfer by sending Matt Mervis, who was their No. 7 prospect as lately as 2023, to the Miami Marlins for Vidal Brujan.
Mervis remained a top-30 prospect for the Cubs in 2024, however after one down 12 months and two failed stints on the main league degree, the Cubs seemingly threw within the towel.
Mervis had loved loads of success within the minor leagues over the 2 seasons earlier than 2024, hitting .309 with 36 residence runs in 2022. However with Michael Busch at Mervis’ major place of first base and Seiya Suzuki at DH, there wasn’t a spot for him on the diamond.
In that exact side, the commerce is smart. Brujan is a versatile defender who can play each infield and outfield positions. Nevertheless, Brujan’s observe document is moderately regarding. Having earned the rank of MLB’s No. 50 prospect in 2021, Brujan’s viability as a significant league hitter rapidly grew to become questionable. From 2021 to 2024, Brujan accrued 497 main league at-bats during which he posted a .189 common with two residence runs.
In equity to Brujan, he might nonetheless be the star expertise he was as soon as projected to develop into, however the Cubs took a large threat in buying and selling for him. This season, he’s out of minor league choices. If at any level he must be faraway from the roster, maybe to make room for Matt Shaw’s return, he would have to be designated for project.
Buying and selling Mervis for a participant whom the Cubs supposed to make use of as a backup utility participant was additionally puzzling, however whatever the dangers, it appears the Cubs are already dropping the commerce.
Having struggled via spring coaching and spent a quick interval on the IL, Brujan has returned and seen motion in three video games, totaling three at-bats. He’s 1-for-3 with a double.
Mervis, then again, has seen semi-regular motion with the Marlins. In 56 at-bats, Mervis is slashing .232/.323/.589 with six residence runs. Already, we’re catching a glimpse of Mervis’ energy potential beginning to play within the main leagues.
On reflection, taking a large threat on Brujan may need been ill-advised. Previous to Opening Day, the Cubs wanted at the very least yet one more high quality starter. The season-ending injury to Justin Steele has solely exacerbated this challenge. It seems Mervis would have served the Cubs higher as part of a commerce package deal for a pitcher moderately than flipping him for a dangerous backup infielder.
For now, we are able to solely conclude that Miami gained this commerce.
