3 backup first base options for the Cubs following the Matt Mervis trade

The Chicago Cubs made a pretty insignificant trade on Sunday as they shipped slugging first base prospect Matt Mervis to the Miami Marlins for utility infielder Vidal Bruján.

Unless you issued a nickname to Mervis prior to his arrival at the Major League level for the Cubs, there is no real reason to have a strong opinion on the move, Mervis, a left-handed hitting first baseman, was blocked at the Major League level by Michael Busch and with Seiya Suzuki operating as the team's designated hitter, there wasn't a path to playing time for the Cubs' former Top 100 prospect.

What the trade does do is provide a reminder that the Cubs may still need to add a first baseman to their bench. With Cody Bellinger now with the New York Yankees, the Cubs no longer have insurance at first base for Michael Busch. Beyond that, Craig Counsell showed a tendency to be selective with Busch's playing time against left-handed pitchers.

Assuming Counsell will have a similar strategy in 2025, chances are the Cubs will add a first baseman to their bench prior to the start of the season.

3 backup first base options for the Cubs in 2025

1. Ty France

Between 2021 and 2022 with the Seattle Mariners, Ty France appeared to be one of the ascending first basemen in the American League. France posted 129 wRC+ and 127 wRC+ in each of those seasons but after a regression in 2023, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds during the 2024 season. France finished the season with a 93 wRC+ and 13 home runs. France no longer is on the ascent as a premium first baseman in Major League Baseball but still is deserving of a spot on a Major League bench.

2. Brandon Drury

After hitting 54 home runs across two seasons in 2022 and 2023, Brandon Drury's offensive production took a nose dive in 2024. In 360 plate appearances with the Los Angeles Angels last season, Drury posted a measly 34 wRC+. A Major League deal might not be on the table for Drury this offseason, which, given his positional versatility, the Cubs could be interested in a minor-league deal with the hope his bat shows life during Spring Training.

3, Moises Ballesteros

Mosies Ballesteros is one of several top Cubs' position prospects that are knocking on the door of the Major League level. There is little doubt that Ballesteros' bat is Major League-ready. The question becomes what to do with him defensively. The Cubs aren't the highest on his future as an everyday catcher. That could mean Ballesteros finds his way on the Cubs' roster in 2025 as a backup option at first base while serving as an emergency catcher.