For all the talk about prospects being works in progress, I am now batting 1.000 when it comes to my No. 1 player getting called up. Sure, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Nick Senzel were "cheat code," but I warned everyone that this next player was flying under the radar and that the hype train was gearing up to leave the station. With Tyler Naquin hitting the injured list, the Cleveland Indians made the sensible move by calling up Oscar Mercado, likely the best outfielder in their organization since March.
What he can do
I like Mercado a lot -- and perhaps more than most -- but with good reason. He has come a long way since being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals as an athletic teenage shortstop to now playing for the Indians as a polished center fielder with a solid offensive game as he enters his mid-20s. Mercado has plus-speed. He has always had the wheels, but it took some time for him to learn how to use them. He is a much-improved base runner and has been flashing emergent power. I think he has 20/20 potential, with the chance for even more steals. As a full-timer, I think he could challenge 40 steals and easily as many extra-base hits. Defensively, he has the chops to play center, but really can be slotted into any outfield alignment.
What to expect
Like I said, I am higher on Mercado than the average bear, but I understand he has his limitations. He is not the purest hitter and has traded a little bit of discipline for his improved pop. He will take some walks, however, which will help offset that a little bit. I would not be surprised if he settled into a .260-.270 average and maybe 90 points higher for his on-base percentage. I think he'll get to that 18-20 HR mark if given 600 plate appearances, which he obviously will not get this year. Nonetheless, he could rack up 30 extra-base hits the rest of the way with 20 steals or better. The Indians should give him all the time in the world at the highest level because they do not have anyone else available who can match his talent at the position right now.