Matt Mervis DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Miami Marlins designated hitter Matt Mervis will take a seat on the bench to start Sunday's series finale against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates at loanDepot Park with left-hander Andrew Heaney on the mound. With another southpaw starting for the Bucs, the lefty-hitting Mervis will start on the bench for the second straight game. In the first two games of the 2025 regular season, the 26-year-old had a single, a walk, a run scored and three strikeouts in eight plate appearances. Eric Wagaman is starting at first base on Sunday and is batting cleanup for the Fish against Heaney. Wagaman has one hit in just three career at-bats against Heaney. The 27-year-old is still searching for his first hit of the year after going hitless with a strikeout in seven at-bats over two games so far. Although he's only a fantasy option in NL-only leagues, Wagaman could see regular at-bats with Connor Norby (oblique) out for a month.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Miami Marlins first baseman Matt Mervis will get a "long look" during spring training. The Marlins acquired Mervis from the Chicago Cubs earlier this season in exchange for infielder Vidal Brujan. Mervis was once regarded as one of the top prospects in the Chicago system but struggled over the past two seasons. Across 36 games at the MLB level, Mervis posted a .155/.222/.259 line with three home runs. He took a significant step back at the Triple-A level last summer as he held a .235/.329/.434 slash line with 15 long balls. This was a sharp decline from the .282/.399/.533 line he held at the Triple-A level during the 2023 campaign. Jackson noted that Mervis will compete with Jonah Bride for the starting role but could also find a path to playing as a designated hitter if he has a successful spring training.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Miami Marlins are acquiring first baseman Matt Mervis from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for infielder Vidal Brujan. The 26-year-old was a former top prospect in the Chicago system but was never able to put it together in the majors. However, in the minor leagues, the first baseman showcased high upside at times. Across 241 games at the Triple-A level, Mervis posted a .269/.371/.511 slash line with 52 home runs, 54 doubles, and a 130:244 BB:K. However, in the majors, the infielder held an underwhelming .155/.222/.259 line. He tallied just three hits across 36 contests. Mervis should contend for a spot on the Marlins Opening Day roster but will likely open the 2025 campaign at the Triple-A level.