5 Chicago Cubs players that may benefit from Seiya Suzuki injury

Oct 4, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) reacts after
Oct 4, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) reacts after / Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
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5 Chicago Cubs players that may benefit from Seiya Suzuki injury - Matt Mervis

Matt Mervis was the talk of 2022 as well as the offseason for the Chicago Cubs. Mervis, an undrafted signing by the Cubs in 2020, had a breakout season in the minor-league system in 2022 as he clubbed 36 home runs across three levels. Mervis finished the 2022 season with Triple-A Iowa and that led to speculation that he may open the 2023 season with the Major League team.

Over the course of the offseason, the Cubs added a pair of veteran first basemen in Trey Mancini and Eric Hosmer. The initial plan was for Hsomer to get reps at first base while Mancini serves as the team's designated hitter. With Suzuki out indefinitely, the Cubs may turn to Mancini for right field. If Mancini gets extended reps in right field, that could create an opening for Mervis to be the team's designated hitter to start the season.