Is Mervis Long Term Solution for Chicago Cubs' First Base Situation?

Chicago Cubs first baseman Matt Mervis may not be the solution as the team's first base problems continue.

Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

First base has been the position the Chicago Cubs have struggled to get clicking in 2023. The players they've put in that position have not panned out thus far this year.

They got first baseman Eric Hosmer on the league minimum after the San Diego Padres designated him for assignment in December. 

Then, Chicago signed Trey Mancini to a two-year, $14 million in guaranteed money over the two years of the deal. Another $7 million is available in bonus clauses related to plate appearances.

Neither performed at the level the Cubs need.

Back on May 19, Hosmer was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. Mancini has been the better of the two but also had a slow start. Currently, he's slashing .241/.311/.346 with four homers and 18 RBI in 182 plate appearances.

They tried another name by calling up Matt Mervis from Triple-A Iowa. Mervis has struggled since being promoted on May 5. 

In 78 plate appearances at the Major League level this season, Mervis is slashing .183/.256/.296 and striking out 33.3 percent while only walking nine percent. 

The only way that Mervis is going to adjust to Major League pitching is with consistent plate appearances. That means being in Chicago's lineup regularly. 

It's worth noting Mervis has struggled at each level in the Cubs' minor league system upon promotion. Plus, the Cubs likely are not at the point where they are ready to send Mervis back to Triple-A.

So the question remains: where do they go next?

Christopher Morel may be a better fit. Prior to the game on Tuesday, he was spotted chatting with coach Jonathan Mota and assistant hitting coach Jim Adduci after taking some pregame reps at first base.

He's not the typical first base build,  listed on the Cubs' website at 5'11'' and 145 pounds. But playing him at first on occasion would also bring his bat into the lineup. 

However, Morel is hitless in eight of his late nine games played. He's slashing .256/.318/.641 over his 85 plate appearances this season. Morel still has a .959 OPS through 22 games since rejoining the Cubs from Triple-A Iowa.

Getting a look at Morel at that spot is likely more about giving manager Dave Ross some feedback on whether it's a feasible option for later-game pinch-hitting scenarios.

“There's also a lot that goes into every position that has to be learned,” Ross said. “We've thrown a lot at that young man in a short amount of time in his big league career, and we're just going to continue to try to see how many tools we can put in his toolbox.”

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