While I agree the Cubs should not pencil in Mervis for next year, I disagree with you when you suggest he had his chance and failed so they will move in from him. I think he will be given another chance and I doubt the FO has lost faith in him. I also disagree that he isn’t particularly loved by scouts. He is the 4th ranked first baseman in the minors, right behind Encarnacion-Strand, who the Reds just brought up. I get the Cubs not giving him the job now. But I do think he will be given the chance next spring. And I don’t think he can be considered a bust yet. In the end, you might be right. I just don’t think that has been established yet. I do agree it is 2024 or bust for him. He either makes it or ends up, at best, a journeyman back up like Volgelbach.