Yermin Mercedes was a star for the first few weeks of the 2021 season. The long time minor leaguer had found a home with the Chicago White Sox, getting hits and showing that he belonged. And then he hit a home run on a 3-0 pitch in a blowout, leading to manager Tony La Russa to blast his own player over the archaic unwritten rules of the game.
Mercedes seemingly lost confidence from that point on. His production disappeared, leading to his being sent back to Triple-A at the beginning of July, never to return. While he was still on the 40 man roster, he was back in Triple-A to begin the 2022 season, his chance at the majors appearing to have come and gone.
Yermin Mercedes may finally get away from Chicago White Sox
He may get his chance once again. Mercedes was designated for assignment on Sunday morning as part of a series of moves by the White Sox as they needed to clear room on their 40 man roster.
Mercedes did not exactly do much in Triple-A to force the White Sox hand. He continued to get on base, drawing 20 walks in 109 plate appearances, but his .230/.376/.425 batting line with four homers and five doubles hardly inspired confidence. Add in the fact that he truly does not have a position defensively, and one can see why the White Sox would have moved on.
And yet, this is a perfect opportunity for another team. Mercedes had an excellent start to his time in the majors last season and may just need a change of scenery. With the universal designated hitter in place, Mercedes could get a chance elsewhere, especially as teams look for a long term asset that could spark the lineup.
Yermin Mercedes was a revelation for the Chicago White Sox early in 2021. Now, he may finally get another chance with a change of scenery.