Journeyman Outfielder Leaves San Diego, Signs Deal with Dodgers

When he first appeared on the scene in 2019, Oscar Mercado in Cleveland appeared to be the franchise's upcoming face.

He hit 15 home runs in his maiden season in the majors that year, and his batting average was a very respectable.269 at the time.

Mercado might have even won some votes for AL ROTY had Yordan Alvarez not had an even more outstanding year. 

His bat has since become somewhat quiet. Since his spectacular 2019 season, he has hit just.209, which has caused him to be moved across the minors a few times. 

After playing in 20 games for St. Louis, the Padres signed him this season, and his performance in the minors really picked up this year.

He has spent a lot of time with the Triple-A teams of the Cardinals and Padres, where he has combined to hit.308. 

Earlier this week, Mercado made the decision to opt out of his contract with the Padres and choose free agency.

According to MLBTR's Steve Adams, it appears that the 28-year-old outfielder will remain in the NL West but first represent the Dodgers in Triple-A:

When the Dodgers went out and acquired Kike Hernandez and Amed Rosario, two right-handed batters, before the trade deadline, it was clear what they were looking for. Now, they could have discovered another offensive weapon on the open market.

At least in the minor leagues, Mercado appears to have the potential to produce. Rosario may very easily become the Dodgers' next big thing given how they have fostered prospects over the years.

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