Mervis Released by Nationals, Career at Crossroads

0:00On April 2nd, Matt Mervis, the 27-year-old first baseman, once hyped as a top Chicago Cubs prospect, just got released by the Washington Nationals. They signed him to a minor league deal this off-season, hoping he cracked the opening day roster, but after a week-spring training and going 0-4, four in his AAA debut, they cut him loose on Wednesday. Earlier this week, Mervis hit just 250 in spring, with three RBI and five strikeouts over seven games, then struck out once more in the minors. Before the axe fell, it's the latest stop in a bumpy road that started when the Cubs grabbed him as an undrafted free agent out of Duke back in 2020. From being ranked the Cubs number seven prospect ahead of the 2023 season, Mervis debuted in the majors that may, but batted just one. 67 with three homers and 32 strikeouts in 98 played appearances. His got worse in 2024, hitting 115 with the Cubs before they traded him to the Miami

1:00Marlins for infielder Vidal Brujan. In Miami, he slashed 175 over 42 games with seven homers, but 50 strikeouts, leading to his August release. His AAA numbers dip two, batting 235 with a 30% strikeout rate last year. Now free agent again, Mervis faces an uphill battle to revive his career, but at 27, there's still time if he can dial in that swing and cut the whiffs. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to Washington Nationals News today, AI Power Team Coverage.