The Washington Nationals have been hard at work this offseason trying to build up a competitive big league roster while simultaneously repleneshing the upper levels of their minor league clubs. As a result, the team has made a series of minor league signings, but there latest one might actually be one of their better ones long-term.
Originally drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 39th round of the 2016 MLB draft - but did not sign - Matt Mervis, who played high school ball at Georgetown Prep, took his talents to Duke University, where he played for four seasons. He was a great player at Duke, but unfortunately, not great enough to get drafted in the 2020 COVID-shortened MLB Draft.
The Chicago Cubs saw great potential in him--and signed him to a contract post-draft. In the minors, he mashed baseballs for home runs. To date, he has 101 home runs in the minors. He was once a highly touted prospect in the Cubs' pipeline, excitement towards his eventual MLB debut in 2023 was building with intensity--however, when he got the call-up, excitement faded quickly. Many called him a disappointment.
He was eventually released by the Cubs and picked up by the Miami Marlins before the start of this past season. Originally, he was intended to be their starting first baseman. That did not work out too well. He started the 2025 season hitting bombs, and was near the top of the MLB home run leaderboards early in 2025--then disappointment struck. He was sent down.
Some may call him a bust, because his ability to hit bombs in the minors made him seem likely to do somewhat well in the majors - but to date he hasn't. Across parts of three seasons, his batting average is just .165 to go along with 10 homers - however that is only in 260 plate appearances. I think Matt Mervis still has great potential - with proper coaching. There have been many players who have had horrible first halves of their careers and ended up making
Cooperstown. Obviously, I am not saying Matt is Cooperstown-bound. I am just saying if given enough playing time, he can be a great addition to the Nationals, either platooning with the big club, or as a depth piece in the minor leagues. I really hope to see Matt Mervis prove his skeptics wrong because I think he needs more of a shot at the big league level, especially because the Nationals are still in their rebuilding phase.