Former Cubs prospect designated for assignment alongside headline-grabbing infielder

When the Chicago Cubs traded Matt Mervis to the Miami Marlins over the offseason for former top prospect Vidal Brujan, few batted an eye. After all, Chicago saw Michael Busch establish himself in a big way in his rookie season, presumably locking up the first base position for years to come.

But when Mervis got off to a roaring start at the plate, hitting five home runs in a six-game span early in the season, fans couldn't help but critique the deal, especially considering the insignificant contributions the Cubs were (and still are) receiving from Brujan. But things have changed in Miami, with the Marlins designating Mervis for assignment Friday, along with infielder Ronny Simón.

Matt Mervis is yet to live up to his potential at the big-league level

Mervis' sky-high strikeout rate has proven too much to overcome at the big-league level over parts of three seasons, culminating in an underwhelming .165/.238/.322 in 261 plate appearances with the Cubs and Marlins. This season, he ranks second on the team in home runs, but carries a 71 OPS+ and a 37.3 percent strikeout rate, which ultimately led to him being DFAd this week.

There was a time where Cubs faithful hoped he'd be the next big bat to come out of the system, but despite his prolific minor-league power, that never translated to success at the big-league level. Now, the Marlins have a week to see what's next for Mervis.

The Mervis move was announced in tandem with the Simón DFA - and the timing couldn't be worse for the young infielder who, after making multiple errors and defensive mishaps this week, was seen crying on the field out of sheer frustration. To call it a rough week would be an understatement, but given he's just 25 and put up solid numbers in the minors, it's unlikely this is the last we'll see of him.

To close the loop here, Brujan hasn't been much of a factor so far this year in Chicago. He was part of the merry-go-round at third base after Matt Shaw was demoted, but with Shaw back and handling everyday duties there, Brujan is a bench piece who has seen very limited action (just 18 plate appearances) as we turn the page to June this weekend. More than anything, the Mervis trade feels like a wash, with no side really coming out ahead in it to this point.