3 long shots to make the Chicago Cubs Opening Day roster

3 long shots for Opening day - 2. Matt Mervis

After the Cubs signed both Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini, the indication was clear that the Cubs' front office has elected to transition Matt Mervis more routinely into big-league play instead of just throwing him into an everyday role. Mervis smashed in all facets last season, amassing a line of .309/.379/.606 with 36 HRs and 119 RBIs across three levels of play in 2022. In Triple-A Iowa, in particular, he slashed .297/.383/.593, with 15 HRs, 39 RBIs, an ISO of .297, and a 152 wRC+ at the highest level before the MLB.

Mervis is still listed as a prospect with a 35 FV, according to Fangraphs. This is why, although national lists do have a lot of credibility to them regarding their ranks of the best prospects in today's game, they are only sometimes the most accurate. Mervis should be getting more love here after such an incredible breakout season. Still, I would go as far as to say that unless there is some unfortunate injury in Spring Training and Mervis picks up where he left off in the Cactus League, I wouldn't expect to see him in a Cubs uniform right away.