Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45

The Venezuelan state of Guárico has produced just eight Major Leaguers dating back to the 1980s. Merlo trains in the north-central portion of the country, long having been viewed as a high-upside talent. Equipped with a strong package of tools and a loose frame, the switch-hitting shortstop is filling out his body well as he matures, giving evaluators hope there’s even more to come as he catches onto a pro routine.

A switch-hitter, there’s tons of juice from the left side for Merlo. He has a bit of a bat wiggle but also plenty of loft that should lead to extra-base pop in time. His exit velocities are already well above his peers, as he has the knowledge of how to establish a strong base to generate line drives. Merlo played in the Liga Gran Caracas Prospect League and went 9-for-23 with a pair of homers and eight RBIs in seven games. He also showed a discerning eye, drawing seven walks en route to a .531 on-base percentage.

A surefire middle infielder as he enters pro ball, Merlo shows the quick feet and smooth actions to hold down shortstop. An aggressive baserunner, he picked up five steals during his time in the Caracas Prospect League and some scouts think that part of his game could continue to blossom as he works on his reads and jumps. There will be an initial leap in competition level as he starts his professional career but Merlo has similar traits to those who have had success navigating similar waters.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 45 | Overall: 40

The Twins had one of the highest international bonus pools at the start of the 2026 signing period, and it was Merlo who commanded the biggest portion of it. Ranked No. 34 on MLB Pipeline's Top 50 International Prospects list, the Venezuelan infielder received a bonus of close to $1.5 million, one of 13 at least six-figure bonuses the organization handed out to this signing class. Merlo had a solid debut in the Dominican Summer League after signing.

Merlo offers a combination of solid tools in a loose frame that should be able to add strength. He's a switch-hitter who can already hit the ball very hard, entering pro ball with exciting exit velocities. He can smash line drives from both sides, but the raw power is particularly evident from the left side of the plate, where he's more adept at elevating the ball in the air. In the infancy of his career, he's shown an ability to limit swing-and-miss while drawing walks, something he also did when playing in the Liga Gran Caracas Prospect League as an amateur.

Signed as a shortstop, Merlo has shown some smooth defensive actions on the dirt, and he got game reps at the premium position. He played more at third base during his debut, and some feel the hot corner will be the better long-term spot for him, with more than enough arm to stay on the left side of the infield. 

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	05/27/2026	DSL Twins activated SS Enmanuel Merlo.
	05/27/2026	SS Enmanuel Merlo assigned to DSL Twins.
	01/15/2026	Minnesota Twins signed free agent SS Enmanuel Merlo to a minor league contract.