After Johan Rojas was handed an 80-game suspension, the Philadelphia Phillies found themselves short on center-field depth in the upper minors.
To address that gap, the Phillies agreed to a minor-league deal with 31-year-old Oscar Mercado on Tuesday, according to MLB Trade Rumors. Mercado, who has plenty of experience in center field at both the major- and minor-league levels, is now beginning his third stint with the organization.
He previously appeared briefly for Philadelphia in 2022 and spent much of last season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, where he posted a .249/.369/.373 line while stealing 40 bases and drawing 69 walks. Mercado had been in spring training with the Arizona Diamondbacks before being released, after which the Phillies quickly brought him back to bolster their depth.
Rojas’ suspension leaves the Phillies with limited center-field options behind top prospect Justin Crawford. Pedro Leon had been the primary backup, but Mercado now provides additional insurance. The team plans to use Crawford as its everyday center fielder, while Brandon Marsh could also shift over if needed. Without Rojas, the Phillies lacked a reliable right-handed alternative in center, particularly if injuries arise or Crawford struggles against left-handed pitching.
Mercado’s addition, along with Leon, helps guard against those scenarios. Utility man Dylan Moore has some experience in center field, though it’s unclear how often he would be used there.
Originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013, Mercado was traded to the Cleveland Guardians in 2018 and had his best season as a rookie in 2019, batting .269 with 15 home runs and 15 steals. However, he struggled in 2020 and never regained a consistent role in the majors, spending most of the past few years at Triple-A.
Elsewhere, outfielder Bryan De La Cruz could push for a call-up if injuries hit the big-league roster. Young prospect Dante Nori has shown promise in the minors and recently impressed during international play, while power-hitting Gabriel Rincones Jr. remains another option once healthy after dealing with knee tendinitis.
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