Mervis, who had a strong spring training for the Cubs last March, will battle for at-bats at first base, where Jonah Bride (.276, 11 homers, 39 RBI in 71 games) is the projected starter, and potentially at designated hitter. In the minors, Mervis played 331 games at first base, one at third and one in the outfield.

Bruján was designated for assignment on Dec. 20 after appearing in a career-high 102 games with Miami last season and batting .222 with five stolen bases.

The Miami Marlins and Chicago Cubs swung a trade on Sunday, with the Marlins acquiring former first base prospect Matt Mervis in exchange for infielder Vidal Brujan. The Marlins had recently designated Brujan for assignment.

The Cubs have acquired utility man Vidal Bruján, sending first baseman Matt Mervis to the Marlins in a swap of former top-100 prospects.

The Cubs and Marlins made an intriguing trade on Sunday that will allow them both to take a flier on a former top prospect.

The Chicago Cubs have made another trade, this time shipping out one of their former top prospects to add a utility man that gives them more defensive options.

This trade gives both players a better shot at showcasing their talent. Vidal Bruján heads to Chicago in a move that could breathe new life into their careers.