Call to the pen
Fansided

Chicago White Sox: Yermin Mercedes is living his wildest dreams

By David Hill

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 03: Yermin Mercedes #73 of the Chicago White Sox celebrates as he crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run against pitcher Alex Cobb #38 of the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 3, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 03: Yermin Mercedes #73 of the Chicago White Sox celebrates as he crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run against pitcher Alex Cobb #38 of the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 3, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

It took ten years for Yermin Mercedes to find his way to the majors. He had spent a decade in the minors, a part of three organizations. Mercedes had spent the 2014 season on three different independent teams, just hoping and dreaming of a chance during those countless bus rides. When he finally got a plate appearance for the Chicago White Sox last season, that seemed to be the apex of his career.

But that was not the case. Mercedes made the White Sox Opening Day roster after a solid showing in spring training and has come out of the gates on fire, recording a hit in his first eight at bats.

Yermin Mercedes paying dividends for Chicago White Sox

Mercedes even being a part of the major league roster could be due to the presence of manager Tony La Russa. He had taken a liking to Mercedes during spring training, keeping him as a third catcher and a possible bat off the bench. He had always hit well in the minors, posting a career .302/.366/.491 batting line in 2396 plate appearances.

Madrigal in for rude awakening. light. More White Sox

The problem was that Mercedes never really had a position on defense. While he spent most of his time behind the plate, he bounced around as teams tried to find a way to get his bat into the lineup. That did not matter to La Russa, who felt that Mercedes could help with the lumber regardless of where he played.

This decision paid immediate dividends. Mercedes was 5-5 with four RBI on Friday, joining Jack Dalton in 1910 as the only players in major league history to get five hits in their second games. He then started Saturday with three hits, including his first major league homer, before flying out to second in his fourth at bat of the game to end his run.

At some point, the ride will come to an end. Mercedes will come back to earth, and while he may be a productive hitter, he will not reach those heights again. But until that happens, Mercedes will continue to enjoy the journey.

Next. Previewing the 2021 White Sox. dark

Yermin Mercedes is living his fondest dreams in the majors. The Chicago White Sox have to hope that he does not wake up any time soon.

Home/Chicago White Sox