Diamondbacks sign former Cubs top prospect Matt Mervis to minor league deal

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed former Chicago Cubs top-10 prospect Matt Mervis to a minor league deal and assigned him to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

Mervis, a left-handed-hitting first baseman, was considered the No. 88 prospect in MLB ahead of the 2023 season (Baseball Prospectus) and sixth-ranked prospect in Chicago’s organization (MLB Pipeline). He was an Arizona Fall League Rising Star in 2022.

He’s played in 78 MLB games, including 42 this season with the Miami Marlins after a trade from Chicago for infielder Vidal Brujan. He was great in April with an .848 OPS and seven home runs, even hitting a home run off D-backs starter Brandon Pfaadt. A rough May (.356 OPS), however, ended his MLB tenure in Miami.

Matt Mervis 💪💪

He's got two homers on the day! pic.twitter.com/El1ebgKu3I

— MLB (@MLB) April 6, 2025

The 27-year-old has not produced in the major leagues consistently with a career .560 OPS and high strikeout rate of 34.5%.

In Triple-A this year, he owns a .924 OPS and 27% strikeout rate with 13 home runs in 35 games.

The Diamondbacks are taking a flyer on Mervis for organizational depth after the club parted ways with first baseman/outfielder Seth Brown after Trey Mancini opted out earlier this season.

The Aces also roster Tristin English and Ivan Melendez who play first base as right-handed bats.

Diamondbacks send Pavin Smith and Ildemaro Vargas on rehab assignments

The Diamondbacks officially sent first baseman Pavin Smith (oblique strain) and infielder Ildemaro Vargas (fractured foot) on rehab assignments to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday. Manager Torey Lovullo had mentioned catcher Gabriel Moreno joining them, but he appears to be just behind them as he played a game at Salt River Fields on Tuesday.

Torey Lovullo said Gabby Moreno was heading to Reno today, which may still be the case, but Gabby is here playing in the Bridge League this morning with Lawlar. Gabby connects on a base hit #Dbacks pic.twitter.com/vpzeYkNhBS

— The Welsh (@IsItTheWelsh) August 12, 2025

All three players are expected to return during Arizona’s homestand next week.

Related

How to watch Diamondbacks-Reds on SundayJJ Bleday hits for cycle at Chase Field vs. Diamondbacks: How rare is that?D-backs notes: Ketel Marte back to rehab work after casino night ‘wasn’t very good’ for opticsKetel Marte is ruining his Diamondbacks legacy, and there’s no end in sightKetel Marte at casino for hours Friday night while Diamondbacks hosted RedsDiamondbacks tune out noise for dominant all-around win over Reds