Yermin Mercedes

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #31 prospect in 2017
  Originally signed by the Nationals out of the Dominican Republic in March 2011, Mercedes spent three years in the Dominican Summer League prior to his release in 2013. He played in two independent leagues in 2014 before the Orioles signed him that September. A 23-year-old Mercedes had a huge year at low Class A Delmarva and high Class A Frederick in 2016, batting .345/.404/.570 with 20 home runs, 31 doubles and 77 RBIs in 122 games. He ranked fifth in the minors in average and fourth in slugging. He hits with a big leg kick that helps him drive the ball but he reduces the kick with two strikes. He also has shown a propensity for driving the ball the opposite way. His defense behind the plate needs a lot of work in terms of blocking and receiving, but he has a plus arm and threw out 30 percent of basestealers in 2016. He also had made pro appearances at first base, third base and left field. He wasn't protected on the 40-man roster and wasn't picked in the Rule 5 draft, a sign he lacks the defensive polish to stay behind the plate full time. He should spend most of 2017 at Double-A Bowie