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Nationals Add Matt Mervis on Minor-League Deal With Spring Invite

The 28-year-old first baseman gets a low-risk audition on a roster still searching for an everyday option at first.

Overview

  • Jon Heyman reported the agreement, and subsequent reports specified a minor-league contract with an invitation to big league camp.
  • Mervis has struggled in the majors since 2024, carrying a .165/.238/.322 line with a strikeout rate north of 34% across 78 games for the Cubs and Marlins.
  • He showed recent Triple-A power with 13 home runs in 145 plate appearances and a 137 wRC+ during late-season stints.
  • The Marlins acquired him from the Cubs in a trade for Vidal Brujan, later released him, and he finished 2025 with the Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate.
  • Washington lacks a settled first baseman after parting with Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Bell, with competition currently including Andrés Chaparro and Luis García Jr., as the club evaluates options under new GM Ani Kilambi.