MLB spring training: 1 bold prediction for every NL Central team

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Matt Mervis plays for the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League baseball game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB Spring Training predictions: Chicago Cubs

Prediction: Matt Mervis is strong Rookie of Year candidate

This could be difficult considering the sheer number of veterans that the Cubs added this winter. But Mervis figures to debut at some point early in the regular season and if his showing at the Arizona Fall League was any indication, he could be a dark horse for Rookie of the Year.

Mervis, 24, was preparing to open last season in High-A. Now, as one of baseball’s fastest rising prospects, he’s on the cusp of his major-league debut.

I could have gone in a few different directions here. I could have predicted that the Cubs add another left-handed reliever before Opening Day. I could have predicted that they would adequately replace Willson Contreras, who left for the division rival St. Louis Cardinals, with Tucker Barnhart and Yan Gomes. I could have even said that their middle infield defense with Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner would be the best in baseball.

But considering the buzz from scouts since the Fall League, the emergence of Mervis felt too good to pass up.

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