Outfielder Óscar Mercado opted out of his minor league contract with the Padres, stories MLBTR’s Steve Adams (X hyperlink). San Diego didn’t name him up, so the 29-year-old heads again to free company.
Mercado signed with the Friars over the winter. He mashed in Spring Coaching however didn’t break camp and has spent the season with Triple-A El Paso. Mercado’s manufacturing within the Pacific Coast League has been beneath common. He’s hitting .226/.307/.425 in a really favorable league for hitters. His .231 common on balls in play actually hasn’t accomplished him any favors, as Mercado’s 9.1% stroll share and 16% strikeout charge are each strong.
A former second-round choose, Mercado appeared within the majors every season between 2019-23. He appeared like a possible on a regular basis heart fielder as a rookie in Cleveland, although his manufacturing dropped off sharply from there. For the reason that begin of 2020, he owns a .206/.262/.334 slash in practically 500 large league plate appearances.
Mercado remains to be able to enjoying all three outfield positions. He logged an honest quantity of motion in each heart and proper area this season. He’s an above-average runner who swiped 12 bases in 16 tries for El Paso. His camp will presumably pursue one other minor league contract with a group looking for non-roster outfield depth.
