3 Cubs players fighting for their futures heading into the 2024 season

It feels like the clock is ticking on Matt Mervis' time in a Cubs uniform

For all the hoopla that surrounded Matt Mervis' breakout 2022 season in the minors, there's little reason to believe the Cubs see him as a long-term solution at first base. This offseason, not only did they bring back Cody Bellinger, who will split time between center field and first, but they loaded up on depth at the latter position, trading for Michael Busch and bringing in no-risk flyers like Dominic Smith and Garrett Cooper, as well.

Busch will get plenty of runway early in the year to secure the job and with multiple bench options in the mix, there's just no clear path for Mervis to return to Wrigley anytime soon. Pair that with the fact the Cubs are even starting to get rising prospect Owen Caissie some reps at first and things quickly go from bad to worse for the former Duke standout.

Mervis' struggles in limited big-league action last year(.167/.242/.289 in 99 plate appearances) did him no favors and, as more time goes on, it feels more and more like his next big chance could come somewhere other than Chicago.