Who is the Solution at First Base for The Chicago Cubs?
Photo by Rick Scuteri (Getty Images)
CHICAGO - Recently, the Chicago Cubs have turned things around and sit only three games back of the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central. However, one position that the Cubs have continued to get little to no production from is first base. Heading into the season, it seemed like the Cubs had done enough to address the position. They gave Eric Hosmer a one-year contract hoping the veteran lefty could provide a boost at a position the team has struggled to fill since Anthony Rizzo was traded away. The Cubs also added Trey Mancini in free agency to shore up the position. With Matt Mervis’ success in the minors, it appeared that it was only a matter of time before he was the everyday first basemen on the north side.
Things didn’t go as planned with Hosmer posting a 0.234 batting average with only 2 home runs and a -0.6 wins above replacement. In late May, he was cut with the Cubs only owing him the league minimum salary. Trey Mancini has also failed to meet expectations so far, hitting only 0.245 which is well below his career average. His power numbers have also dipped well below his usual output. These early season struggles forced the Cubs to call up Matt Mervis in early May. Just like Hosmer and Mancini, Mervis has had a disappointing start to his season and major league career. He has hit 0.167 and is averaging over a strikeout a game. It seems like a first baseman would be a prime target for the Cubs if they choose to be buyers at the trade deadline in August. However, it seems the team has one more solution they want to try before adding anyone from outside the club.
Recently, Christopher Morel has been seen taking pregame reps at first base. He has seen action at a number of different positions including every outfield spot and second and third base, but has yet to stick at one position. Unlike Hosmer, Mancini, and Mervis, Morel has been very productive at the plate so far this year and it is critical the Cubs find a way to keep him in the lineup. Could he be the answer for the Cubs as the season progresses?
Obviously, Morel has a lot to learn about playing first base, which is one of the few positions he never played in the minors. It could take weeks of work behind the scenes before David Ross thinks he is ready for in-game action at first base. On top of this, Matt Mervis is only 25 and still has less than 100 at-bats against major-league pitching. He deserves to continue to get more plate appearances throughout the season so that the Cubs can figure out what they have in him. Another route the team could go is adding more depth to the position before the trade deadline. Some names that could provide a lift are Carlos Santana, Josh Bell, and C.J. Cron. However, all three have struggled this year and I don’t see the Cubs making a move for any of them unless their position in the playoff race improves significantly before the trade deadline.
