Former maligned Cubs top prospect's career takes turn after joining Mexican league

Former Chicago Cubs first baseman Matt Mervis was released by the Washington Nationals less than a week after Opening Day, and his next move won't involve any Major League Baseball team. Mervis has signed with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League and has already made his debut with his new team.

Ironically, it was a reminder of why the shine quickly wore off on Mervis during his time with the Cubs. The 28-year-old was hitless through his first four plate appearances with three strikeouts.

In the aftermath of trading Anthony Rizzo and failed free-agent signings of Trey Mancini and Eric Hosmer, the hope was that Mervis could become a long-term answer for the Cubs at first base. During his ascent through the Cubs' farm system, Mervis quickly earned the moniker "Mash" for the power that he displayed.

After having nine home runs in his first full season in the Cubs' system in 2021, he broke out with 36 home runs across three levels in 2022. By the end of the 2022 season, it was clear that Mervis was knocking on the door of the majors, and he made his debut with the Cubs shortly after the start of the 2023 season.

Not the Mashing that Cubs fans were expecting

Unfortunately, the power that Mervis had during his ascension was not on display for the Cubs at the Major League level. In 2023, he had 3 home runs in 99 plate appearances with a slash line of .167/.242/.289 with a strikeout rate of 32.3%. The Cubs uncovered a hitch in Mervis' swing, and that would prove to be his flaw.

After making adjustments, Mervis returned to the majors in 2024, but posted a -16 wRC+ in just 28 plate appearances. The Cubs traded Mervis to the Miami Marlins ahead of the 2025 season, and he did have brief success in Miami. The former top prospect had seven home runs during the first month of the 2025 season, but his strikeout rate ballooned to 37.3%.

If Mervis can figure out a way to lower his strikeouts, there's a chance that he could find a path back to Major League Baseball. It wouldn't be the first time that happened. The Cubs signed former slugging prospect Tyler Austin during the offseason after he revamped his approach overseas. Of course, an injury has prevented Austin from playing this season.

Nonetheless, Mervis' story is a reminder of how quickly a top prospect can fall if they don't find success right away.

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