The Chicago Cubs are, as of Thursday afternoon, 15-16.
That’s good enough for third in the NL Central division, and they are a manageable 4.5 games behind the first-place Pittsburgh Pirates.
Chicago’s +42 run differential is also one of the best marks in the National League, so their win-loss record is a bit misleading.
They are expected to contend this year, and are currently doing so thanks to some incredible performances by Cody Bellinger, Patrick Wisdom, and the rotation trio of Drew Smyly, Justin Steele, and Marcus Stroman.
However, they haven’t gotten anything from the first base position.
To remedy the situation, they are making one important roster move: first baseman Matt Mervis, one of their best prospects, is coming to the majors.
“The Chicago Cubs are calling up top first base prospect Matt Mervis, sources tell ESPN. He’s expected to join the team tomorrow as it returns home to start a series against Miami. Mervis, 25, was hitting .286/.402/.560 with six HR in 24 games at Triple-A Iowa. Big power prospect,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan tweeted.
The Chicago Cubs are calling up top first base prospect Matt Mervis, sources tell ESPN. He's expected to join the team tomorrow as it returns home to start a series against Miami. Mervis, 25, was hitting .286/.402/.560 with six HR in 24 games at Triple-A Iowa. Big power prospect.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 4, 2023
The Cubs signed both Trey Mancini and Eric Hosmer to serve as placeholders for Mervis.
Neither signed has particularly panned out, though.
Mancini is hitting .268/.314/.381, while Hosmer has been even worse at .250/.294/.363.
Mervis has been masterful at Triple-A, with a .286/.402/.560 line and six homers so far.
In three minor league levels last year, he belted 36 home runs, so yes: he has some serious power.
If he is as good as advertised, the Cubs lineup is about to get a significant injection of talent.
NEXT: Cody Bellinger Has Found His Old Form With Impressive Start