Ivy League Cubs

By: Ethan Diamond

Over the last few days of 2024, the Cubs have made a few moves to help bolster their major league roster.

On Sunday, the team swung a deal with the Miami Marlins, trading 1B Matt Mervis in exchange for infielder Vidal Bruján. Bruján is coming off his best season in 2024 after he left Tampa Bay for South Beach. With the Marlins, he hit .222/.303/.219 in 248 at-bats, as well as hitting 2 home runs and 16 RBIs. He’s a switch-hitter who can play multiple positions on the field, and will likely compete with Gage Workman and Miles Mastrobuoni for a spot on the bench as a utility player.

Mervis, who was once a top prospect for the Cubs, has struggled to put it all together in the major leagues despite good showings in AAA. In 36 major league games played and 116 at-bats over the past two seasons, Mervis hit .155/.222/.259 with 3 home runs, 14 RBIs, and striking out 40 times.

Earlier today, the Cubs agreed to terms with LHP Caleb Thielbar on a one year, major-league contract. Thielbar is coming off a down year in 2024, as he posted a 5.32 ERA in 59 games (47.1 IP), but prior to that he was a very solid reliever from 2020-2023. In 2022 he put together a great season, with a 3.49 ERA while striking out 80 batters over 59.1 IP. He brings some more depth to the Cubs bullpen and provides another left-handed option to pair with Luke Little.

Image Credit: Chicago Sun-Times