The Chicago Cubs acquired utility man Vidal Bruján on Sunday, sending first baseman Matt Mervis to the Miami Marlins in a swap of former top-100 prospects trying to discover a extra important position within the large leagues.
The Rays additionally obtained money issues from the Cubs.
Bruján, 26, was a extremely touted switch-hitting shortstop when he debuted in 2021 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He struggled in three seasons with the Rays and produced in restricted portions throughout his yr with the Marlins, who designated him for project final week.
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He joins a Cubs infield with shortstop Dansby Swanson and second baseman Nico Hoerner locked into beginning roles and Luis Vazquez and Miles Mastrobuoni the likeliest backups.
The Cubs appreciated Bruján’s potential sufficient to deal Mervis, 26, who at one level seemed like he could be Chicago’s first baseman of the longer term. Mervis did not produce throughout two stints within the large leagues in 2023 and 2024 however ought to have a chance to win at-bats with the Marlins, who return Jonah Bride as his likeliest challenger at first.
