Where’s the love for Cubs prospect Matt Mervis?

As a fan of the Chicago Cubs, I think it’s safe to say we have been wanting to turn the page to next season for most of the year.  Looking forward brings optimism and hope.  Prospects like Matt Mervis could help bring those brighter days.

We have heard names like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Brennen Davis and Kevin Alcantara repeated ad nauseam.  These three individuals have garnered the most praise from media and fans alike.  However, the organization will need to plug in some prospects at other positions besides the outfield.

First base will be a position of need during the offseason.  Mervis looks like he could be a viable option to start in 2023.  The 24-year-old power-hitter ranks 21st in the latest MLB Pipeline Cubs prospect rankings.

“It’s some inspiration for me. I don’t play just to stick it to them. But getting a text from someone who once told me one thing or another is a good feeling,” Mervis told the Des Moines Register last month. “I’ve been told since I was 16 years old that I won’t be a hitter.”

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound left-handed hitter is looking for validation.  He struggled in 2021 with a combined average of .209 with two minor league teams.  This could be the reason why nobody was talking about him as a future replacement for the three-time All-Star and World Series champion Anthony Rizzo.

“Wait until next year” has been a long-time slogan for this organization.  Mervis ended up doing just that.  He started the year in High-A South Bend and has been promoted twice.  Currently, he is in Triple-A Iowa and continues to smash everything in sight.

Cubs prospect Matt Mervis has just kept on hitting all season long

This year, he is hitting a combined slash line of .313/.376/.615 with 33 home runs, 38 doubles and 111 runs batted in with three different minor league teams this season. The man nicknamed “Mash” hasn’t slowed down at all this season.  In August, the Cubs recognized Mervis as their minor league Player of the Month.

Typically, you’d think the big league ball club would be taking a serious look at calling up this prospect.  The Cubs’ first base situation needs some new blood at that position.  The combination of Patrick Wisdom, Alfonso Rivas and P.J. Higgins has hit .224/.306/.380 with 31 home runs and 107 runs batted in. However, Mervis won’t need to be added to the 40-man this winter to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, which is why we likely won’t see him in the season’s final weeks.

As the only first baseman listed on the club’s top prospects rankings – Mervis should be receiving more attention from the media. It’s a real possibility he could be starting for the North Siders next season. At that point, everyone will know his name.