New Miami Marlins first baseman can really help the team

Peter Bendix caught a lot of criticism for making a certain trade. The Miami Marlins did have a plan after all, which turned out to be a move for former top Chicago Cubs prospect Matt Mervis. Mervis never got to live up to his past hype in Chicago, but also never received a real chance. He definitely will now.

Matt Mervis could end up being a real asset for the Miami Marlins this upcoming season.

Matt Mervis received a lot of hype as a top prospect for thew Chicago Cubs. The 26 year old debuted in the 2023 season, and batted just .167/.242/.289, with 3 home runs and 11 RBI in 27 games and 90 AB. He was worth -0.4 WAR. He followed that up in the 2024 season with a .115/.148/.154 batting line, with 0 home runs and 3 RBI in 9 games and 26 AB. He was worth -0.4 WAR again. None of that is promising at all.

There is something promising about Matt Mervis however. He batted .282/.399/.533 in AAA in 2023. Mervis apparently was on a plane to visit his father for his 60'th birthday, when his agent told him that he was traded from the Cubs to the Miami Marlins. Mervis had this to say about this:

“I was very excited. I loved my time with the Cubs. They treated me great. But some guys just need a fresh start and change of scenery, so I'm hoping that it works out for me.”

Mervis believes that receiving limited opportunities in the Majors is why he couldn't do better. I completely agree with him. He did have a 90.1 EV for his Major League career. He's definitely right that he "hit the ball hard". Peter Bendix calls him one of the players that he expects to see break out this season. SS Xavier Edwards is excited to see him play as well.

Manager Clayton McCullough said this:

He's been very open with our hitting crew, and that's been great. He has a real chance with our team to help us out. Big power from the left side, has performed well in Triple-A, a little bit of time in the Major Leagues like many others inside our room."

I'm really hopeful that Matt Mervis will indeed finally break out this upcoming season with the Miami Marlins.