Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 60 | Overall: 45
Mercado's reputation as one of the better defensive shortstops in the 2013 Draft could have landed him in the first round, but he didn't hit as a Florida high school senior and wound up signing with the Cardinals for an over-slot $1.5 million in the second round. He continued to struggle at the plate in his first four pro seasons before moving to center field in 2017 and improving offensively once he had lesser defensive responsibilities. In need of righty-hitting outfielders, the Indians acquired him in exchange for outfielders Conner Capel and Jhon Torres last July.
While Mercado has gotten better at the plate, he still may not provide enough offense to be an everyday player in the big leagues. He's showing more bat speed than he did when he played shortstop and makes consistent contact, but he may have a ceiling as an average hitter with just decent power and on-base ability. A plus runner, he has basestealing aptitude and swiped a total of 158 bags in his first four full seasons.
Mercado's speed also plays well on defense. He made an easy transition to center field, where he chases down balls from gap to gap. His solid arm makes him capable of handling all three spots should he become a fourth outfielder. Statcast - Batting Season Pitches Batted Balls Barrels Barrel % Exit Velocity Launch Angle XBA XSLG WOBA XWOBA XWOBACON Hard Hit % K % BB % 2019 1738 365 15 4.1 86.5 13.4 .262 .403 .321 .308 .344 33.9 17.4 5.8 ALL 1738 365 15 4.1 86.5 13.4 .262 .403 .321 .308 .344 33.9 17.4 5.8 MLB 40553 6.3 87.5 11.2 .251 .412 .317 .318 .371 34.5 21.7 8.3 Rankings Stolen Bases Year SB Rank 2019 15 16th in AL Transactions Team Date Transaction 05/14/2019 Cleveland Indians recalled RF Oscar Mercado from Columbus Clippers. 03/19/2019 Cleveland Indians optioned CF Oscar Mercado to Columbus Clippers. 10/02/2018 Cleveland Indians recalled CF Oscar Mercado from Columbus Clippers. 08/01/2018 Columbus Clippers activated CF Oscar Mercado. 07/31/2018 St. Louis Cardinals traded CF Oscar Mercado to Cleveland Indians for CF Conner Capel and RF Jhon Torres. 07/31/2018 CF Oscar Mercado assigned to Columbus Clippers. 07/31/2018 Columbus Clippers activated CF Oscar Mercado. 07/31/2018 Columbus Clippers activated CF Oscar Mercado. 03/18/2018 St. Louis Cardinals optioned CF Oscar Mercado to Memphis Redbirds. 11/20/2017 St. Louis Cardinals selected the contract of Oscar Mercado from Springfield Cardinals. 07/11/2017 Springfield Cardinals activated CF Oscar Mercado from the 7-day disabled list. 06/30/2017 Springfield Cardinals placed OF Oscar Mercado on the 7-day disabled list. 03/31/2017 OF Oscar Mercado assigned to Springfield Cardinals from Palm Beach Cardinals. 03/27/2017 IF Oscar Mercado assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. 06/14/2016 Palm Beach Cardinals activated SS Oscar Mercado from the 7-day disabled list. 06/06/2016 Palm Beach Cardinals placed SS Oscar Mercado on the 7-day disabled list. 04/07/2016 SS Oscar Mercado assigned to Palm Beach Cardinals. 03/08/2016 SS Oscar Mercado assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. 04/05/2015 SS Oscar Mercado assigned to Peoria Chiefs from Johnson City Cardinals. 06/19/2014 SS Oscar Mercado assigned to Johnson City Cardinals from GCL Cardinals. 06/26/2013 SS Oscar Mercado assigned to GCL Cardinals. 06/17/2013 St. Louis Cardinals signed SS Oscar Mercado.
