Cubs Top 30 Prospect Wraps: Matt Mervis

InsidetheCubs.com will review each of the Chicago Cubs’ Top 30 prospects, as ranked by MLB.com at the end of the 2023 season.

No. 13: 1B Matt Mervis, Iowa Cubs (Triple-A)

Statistics for 2023: (100 games, all at Iowa): .282/.399/.533/.932, 77 runs, 23 doubles, one triple, 22 home runs, 78 RBI, 67 walks, 100 strikeouts, two stolen bases.

Season Transactions: Mervis started the season at Triple-A Iowa. The Chicago Cubs called him up on May 5, and then optioned him back to Iowa on June 15.

Season Summary: Mervis put up quality offensive numbers at Iowa throughout the season, powering up for 22 home runs and 78 RBI in 100 games. His walk rate was solid, given that he struck out 100 times. He finally got his first cup of coffee with the Cubs, as he played about a month at Wrigley. He batted .167 with three home runs and 11 RBI in 90 at-bats. Many prospects struggle when they get their change at the big leagues, but the good news is that Mervis’ overall Triple-A numbers were consistent and that bodes well if he gets another chance.

Path Through the Organization: Once Mervis decided he wanted to be a hitter, his numbers at Duke got him the interest of pro scouts. But, he had the misfortune of being eligible for the 2020 Draft during COVID, which was only five rounds. So the Cubs picked him up for a $20,000 priority free agent contract. The 2022 season was his coming out party, as he hit 36 home runs and led the minors with 78 extra-base hits, 310 total bases and 119 RBIs and ranking second in doubles (40), third in homers (36), fifth in slugging (.605) and eighth in OPS (.984).

What’s next: Mervis may need to see what the Cubs do with free agency before he has a feel for what his chances are with the Cubs in 2024. MLB.com scouts say he has the best combination of power and contact in the Cubs’ minor league system, so at some point the Cubs have to either find a place for him or use him as trade bait to get better. Unless he’s dealt this offseason, he’ll be at Major League Spring Training in Mesa trying to get a spot on the Opening Day roster.

2023 Chicago Cubs Top 30 Prospect Wraps:

No. 30: Christian Franklin | No. 29: Brody McCullough | No. 28: Kohl Franklin | No. 27: Pablo Aliendo | No. 26: Porter Hodge | No. 25: Luke Little | No. 24: Jaxon Wiggins | No. 23: Caleb Kilian | No. 22: Josh Rivera | No. 21: Luis Vazquez | No. 20: Cristian Hernandez | No. 19: Brennen Davis | No. 18: B.J. Murray Jr. | No. 17: Haydn McGeary | No. 16: Derniche Valdez | No. 15: Drew Gray | No. 14: Alexander Canario |