Yoel Mecias

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #9 prospect in 2015
  Mecias has worked just 133 pro innings in four pro speasons. He spent 2011 on the restricted list, then missed half of what had been a dominant 2013 season with Tommy John surgery, which he had in June of that year. He got back on the hill in 2014 with a four-start tuneup in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League before finishing his season with seven more starts at low Class A Lakewood. The Phillies, understandably, didn't tax Mecias terribly in 2014. He didn't throw more than five innings in any start until his last turn of the season, when he tossed six shutout innings against Hickory. At his best, he throws a fastball with armside run that sits in the low 90s and touches 93 mph. He backs it with a deceptive changeup in the low 80s and a slurvy slider that sits in the 78-80 mph range. Mecias has a deceptive delivery that features a little bit of a stab in the back. He's aggressive in the strike zone, goes after hitters without fear and when he's right can rack up strikeouts in bunches, as shown by his 11.1 punchouts per nine innings at Lakewood in 2013. With a full offseason of rest, Mecias will be pushed to high Class A Clearwater in 2015. He has to show he can stay healthy to fulfill his mid-rotation upside, and will be given that chance this year.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #23 prospect in 2014
  After signing with the Phillies in December 2010, Mecias spent 2011 on the restricted list before debuting in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League as a 19-year-old in 2012. He moved up to low Class A Lakewood in 2013 and began to deliver. At his best, Mecias showcased a fastball that sat between 85-92 mph, and he backs it up with a curveball and slider that both range between the high 70s and low 80s. His main offspeed weapon, however, is a 79-80 mph changeup that features late tail and sink. Mecias' fastball, curveball and slider have the potential to bump average in the future, while his changeup has a chance to be above-average. His delivery is sound, but he does have a tendency to fall to the side after following through. Phillies fans will have to wait a little longer to see Mecias again, however, because he had Tommy John surgery in the middle of 2013. If he does pitch in 2014, it will be in the second half and mostly at the Class A level.