The Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins made a trade over the weekend in which they exchanged former top 100 prospects. Heading to the windy city is super utility player Vidal Brujan and heading down south is power hitting prospect Matt Mervis. In the baseball world, this is an under the radar trade between the two clubs, but there are two massive reasons why it may be a mistake for the Cubs.
President of the Chicago Cubs talks to the media before a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
As versatile as Vidal Brujan on the field, the Chicago Cubs have no roster flexibility with him
Vidal Brujan, who is well known for being a super utility player having played every position except catcher a season ago, actually is coming to the Cubs with no roster flexibility. This is referencing the fact that he has no minor league options remaining. Basically, Chicago acquired a depth piece via trade that hopefully will only be used as needed, and now they have to keep him on the 40-man roster or risk exposing him to waivers.
The Miami Marlins received the higher upside player
Heading to Miami is first baseman Matt Mervis. While his playing time was blocked as a member of the Cubs, with the Marlins he should get a good look at consistent MLB playing time. If he performs well and carves out a MLB role, this trade will go down as a loss for the Cubs.
In the end, the Cubs sacrificed a higher-upside player in Matt Mervis for a versatile depth piece in Vidal Brujan, but the lack of roster flexibility could prove costly. Without the option to send Brujan to the minors, the Cubs are essentially committing to keeping him on the 40-man roster or risking losing him. If Mervis thrives with the Marlins while Brujan remains a limited role player for the Cubs, this trade could ultimately be one they regret.
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