Matt Mervis was named the Cubs’ Minor League Player of the year in 2023, but was not able to carry those big numbers to Chicago and was displaced last season by Michael Busch. Seiya Suzuki moving into the primary DH spot meant there was really no room for Mervis in Chicago or on the 40-man roster. As such, he was traded to the Marlins in exchange for infielder Vidal Bruján, who had been designated for assignment last week.
Bruján will turn 27 in February and has seen action in parts of the last four seasons with Tampa and Miami, tallying five homers and putting up a 50 wRC+ over 550 plate appearances.