On Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs designated Garrett Cooper for assignment, as reported by Robert Murray of FanSided. Simultaneously, the Cubs are giving Matt Mervis another shot at the MLB level, indicating a possible alteration in their lineup approach.
Matt Mervis, a 26-year-old Washington, D.C. native, returns to the major leagues after playing 27 games with the Cubs in 2023, with a batting line of.167/.242/.289.
Despite his failures in his first stay, Mervis has showed significant promise throughout his minor league career, indicating that he may quickly adjust and prosper in the majors.
Despite his failures in his first stay, Mervis has showed significant promise throughout his minor league career, indicating that he may quickly adjust and prosper in the majors.
For Cooper, this change offers up new avenues. The 33-year-old, who made his MLB debut in 2017, has had a successful career and is coming off a season in which he hit a career-best 17 home runs.
Cooper, who started the season with a.270 batting average and.432 slugging percentage in 37 at-bats for the Cubs, is now theoretically available to join a competing team.
The New York Yankees might be an ideal destination for Cooper, especially considering their present roster requirements. With Anthony Rizzo as the only healthy first baseman, reuniting with Cooper, who made his major league debut with the Yankees, might benefit both sides. Cooper excelled during his brief tenure with New York, with a.326 hitting average in 43 at-bats.
Given Cooper’s success earlier this season, his selection shocked many, signaling the Cubs’ confidence in Mervis’ ability and future potential.
As the Yankees lead the American League East and prepare for the playoffs, adding a guy like Cooper might strengthen their lineup and depth.
