Texas Rangers Top 10 Prospects For 2017
2. Yohander Mendez, LHP
Birthdate: 1/17/95 (21 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: high A, AA, AAA, MLB
Stats in 2016: 111 IP, 2.19 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 9.32 BB%, 25.68 K% (minor league stats only)
Coming into the season, many were very high on Mendez, and he proved those believers right with a tremendous season, jumping forward up three minor league levels to even make two relief appearances in the major leagues.
Mendez is the epitome of what can happen when a “control and command” lefty has his stuff tick up just a touch across the board.
Mendez always had solid average pitches across the board and a long, lean 6’5 frame that helped him to create tremendous plane on his fastball and change up, but as he’s filled into his body, he also added velocity, and his curve ball has really ticked up as well, getting exceptional spin.
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Mendez works in the 90-94 range with his fastball, touching 96-97, but the Rangers have worked with him carefully to build innings due to elbow issues since signing in 2011.
Unlike many long, lean guys, Mendez has always done a tremendous job of maintaining and repeating his delivery, which he’s kept up as he’s filled into his frame, allowing him to pound the zone with an elite arsenal now.
Mendez could challenge for a rotation spot in Texas this season, but it’s most likely based on the Rangers’ offseason acquisitions that he’ll start the year in AAA and be one of the first guys to get the call to the big club.
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