{{Short description|Colombian-American baseball player (born 1994)}} {{For|the Puerto Rican sailor|Óscar Mercado (sailor)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2019}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name = Óscar Mercado |image = Oscar_Mercado_(49489262662).jpg |caption = Mercado with the Cleveland Indians in 2020 |team = Caliente de Durango |number = 18 |position = Outfielder |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|12|16}} |birth_place = Cartagena, Colombia |bats = Right |throws = Right |debutleague = MLB |debutdate = May 14 |debutyear = 2019 |debutteam = Cleveland Indians |statleague = MLB |statyear = 2023 season |stat1label = Batting average |stat1value = .237 |stat2label = Home runs |stat2value = 26 |stat3label = Runs batted in |stat3value = 100 |teams = * Cleveland Indians / Guardians ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2022}}) * Philadelphia Phillies ({{mlby|2022}}) * Cleveland Guardians ({{mlby|2022}}) * St. Louis Cardinals ({{mlby|2023}}) }} '''Óscar Mauricio Mercado''' (born December 16, 1994) is a Colombian-American professional baseball outfielder for Caliente de Durango of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians / Guardians, Philadelphia Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals. He represented the Colombian national baseball team at the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
==Early life== Mercado was born in Cartagena, Colombia. His father, Oscar Sr., played soccer and worked as a general contractor. He has an older brother, Juan, and a twin sister, Nathalia. His family emigrated to the United States when he was seven years old on his father's work visa, and settled in Tampa, Florida.<ref name=citizen>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/high-schools/2018/03/13/cardinals-ifof-oscar-mercados-biggest-catch-to-date-citizenship/|title=Cardinals IF/OF Oscar Mercado's biggest catch to date: citizenship|first=Kelly|last=Parsons|work=Tampa Bay Times|date=March 13, 2018|access-date=April 25, 2019}}</ref>
Mercado attended Gaither High School in Tampa, Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/hometeam/blog/mlb-draft-despite-down-season-gaithers-mercado-knows-his-target-audience/17601/|title=Florida high school sports - MLB draft: Despite down season, Gaither's Mercado knows his target audience|work=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=March 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312194149/http://www.tampabay.com/hometeam/blog/mlb-draft-despite-down-season-gaithers-mercado-knows-his-target-audience/17601/|archive-date=March 12, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> He committed to play college baseball at Florida State University.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.perfectgame.org/Players/PlayerProfile.aspx?ID=282735 |title=Oscar Mercado - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA |publisher=Perfectgame.org |access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref>
==Professional career== ===St. Louis Cardinals=== The St. Louis Cardinals selected Mercado in the second round, with the 58th overall selection, of the 2013 MLB draft.<ref>{{cite web|first=Brendan|last=Meyer|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/cardinals-draft-ss-oscar-mercado-in-second-round/article_cb4df973-7e87-5802-80b9-125558c47c2e.html |title=Cardinals draft SS Oscar Mercado in second round | Cardinal Beat |publisher=stltoday.com |date=June 6, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref> He signed with the Cardinals, receiving a $1.5 million signing bonus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/hometeam/blog/gaither-ss-oscar-mercado-accepts-15-million-deal-cardinals/17638/|title=Florida high school sports - Gaither SS Oscar Mercado accepts $1.5 million deal with Cardinals|work=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=March 11, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729215529/http://www.tampabay.com/hometeam/blog/gaither-ss-oscar-mercado-accepts-15-million-deal-cardinals/17638/|archive-date=July 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mynews13.com//content/news/cfnews13/sports/article.html/content/news/articles/bhsn/2013/6/5/from_columbia_to_the.html|title=From Colombia to the U.S. to the majors, Gaither's Oscar Mercado ready for draft day|publisher=MyNews13|access-date=March 11, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Press Release | url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/50925152/cardinals-sign-second-round-draft-selection-oscar-mercado/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729213052/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/50925152/cardinals-sign-second-round-draft-selection-oscar-mercado/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 29, 2017 |title=Cardinals sign second-round Draft selection Oscar Mercado |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref>
[[File:Oscar Mercado Springfield (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Mercado with the Springfield Cardinals in 2017]] After signing, Mercado made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Cardinals of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, batting .209 with one home run and 14 runs batted in (RBIs) in 42 games played.<ref name=minors>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mercad000osc|title=Oscarf Mercado Minor, Fall & Winter League Statistics|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=September 24, 2023}}</ref> In 2014, he played for the Johnson City Cardinals of the Advanced Rookie-level Appalachian League, where he hit .224 with three home runs, 25 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases in 60 games,<ref name=minors/> and in 2015, he played with the Peoria Chiefs of the Single–A Midwest League, where he compiled a .254 batting average with four home runs, 44 RBIs, and 50 stolen bases in 117 games.<ref name=minors/> In 2016, he played for the Palm Beach Cardinals of the High–A Florida State League, where he switched from playing shortstop to outfielder.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals-minor-league-report-mercado-shifts-from-shortstop-to-outfield/article_05b2eefb-f5cb-5aeb-9fc9-de3b516f5b23.html |title=Cardinals minor league report: Mercado shifts from shortstop to outfield | St. Louis Cardinals |date=May 21, 2017 |publisher=stltoday.com |access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref> There, he batted .215 with 27 RBIs and 33 stolen bases in 125 games.<ref name=minors/>
He spent the 2017 season with the Springfield Cardinals of the Double–A Texas League,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozarksfirst.com/sports/mercado-sets-record-in-9-1-cardinals-win/707175263 |title=Mercado Sets Record in 9-1 Cardinals Win - Story |work=KOLR - OzarksFirst.com |publisher=OzarksFirst |date=May 4, 2017 |access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref> where he slashed .287/.341/.428 with 13 home runs, 46 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases in 120 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/oscar-mercado-640458|title=Oscar Mercado Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=September 9, 2017}}</ref> After the season, the Cardinals assigned Mercado to the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League (AFL).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/birdland/elite-prospects-alcantara-hicks-among-eight-young-cards-headed-to/article_7d2c7636-e43c-56d8-a55e-734211422250.html|title=Elite prospects Alcantara, Hicks among eight young Cards headed to AFL|first=Derrick|last=Goold|date=September 2017 |publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|access-date=December 9, 2017}}</ref> Mercado appeared in a total of 22 games for the Saguaros, posting a .264 batting average with 11 RBIs and six stolen bases.<ref name=minors/> The Cardinals added him to their 40-man roster after the AFL was over to protect him from being chosen in the Rule 5 Draft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/262230496/cardinals-add-4-players-to-40-man-roster/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031844/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/262230496/cardinals-add-4-players-to-40-man-roster/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |title=Cardinals Add 4 Players to 40-Man Roster |publisher=M.cardinals.mlb.com |date=May 24, 2018 |access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref> Mercado began 2018 with the Memphis Redbirds of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/milb/news/pacific-coast-league-notebook-oscar-mercado-adjusting-for-memphis-redb-282826426 |title=PCL notes: Mercado's adjustments paying off |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref>
===Cleveland Indians / Guardians=== On July 31, 2018, the Cardinals traded Mercado to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Conner Capel and Jhon Torres.<ref>{{cite web|author=Post-Dispatch store |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/cardinals-trade-slick-fielding-center-fielder-mercado-to-cleveland-for/article_3cb360ba-50fe-5d63-b1e9-7322a7e80ec7.html |title=Cardinals trade slick-fielding center fielder Mercado to Cleveland for prospects | Cardinal Beat |date=August 2018 |publisher=stltoday.com |access-date=April 25, 2019}}</ref> He was assigned to the Columbus Clippers of the Triple–A International League and finished the season there. In 132 games between Memphis and Columbus, he slashed .278/.349/.390 with eight home runs, 47 RBIs, and 37 stolen bases.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/oscar-mercado-640458|title=Oscar Mercado Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 6, 2018}}</ref> He began the 2019 season with Columbus.<ref>{{cite web|author=Adam Jardy |url=https://www.dispatch.com/sports/20190404/clippers-season-preview--veteran-outfielders-seeking-return-to-big-leagues |title=Clippers season preview | Veteran outfielders seeking return to big leagues - Sports - The Columbus Dispatch - Columbus, OH |work=The Columbus Dispatch |publisher=Dispatch.com |access-date=April 25, 2019}}</ref>
The Indians promoted Mercado to the major leagues on May 14.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joe Noga|url=https://expo.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/05/154504bf5e9257/oscar-mercado-set-to-join-cleveland-indians-heres-what-the-24yearold-of-brings-to-the-tribe.html|title=Oscar Mercado set to join Cleveland Indians: Here's what the 24-year-old OF brings to the Tribe|publisher=cleveland.com|date=May 14, 2019|access-date=May 14, 2019}}</ref> He made his major league debut that day versus the Chicago White Sox.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHA/CHA201905140.shtml|title=Cleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox Box Score, May 14, 2019|publisher=Baseball Reference|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> Overall with the 2020 Cleveland Indians, Mercado batted .128 with one home run and 6 RBIs in 36 games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/oscar-mercado-640458?stats=career-r-hitting-mlb&year=2020|title=Oscar Mercado Stats, Fantasy & News|website=MLB.com }}</ref> On June 21, 2022, Mercado was designated for assignment by the Guardians.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}
===Philadelphia Phillies=== The Philadelphia Phillies claimed Mercado off of waivers on June 27, 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/phillies-claim-oscar-mercado-waivers-cleveland-guardians | title=Phillies pick up outfielder Oscar Mercado off waivers from Cleveland | date=June 27, 2022 }}</ref> After appearing in only one game with the Phillies, Mercado was designated for assignment on July 1.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sportstalkphilly.com/2022/07/philadelphia-phillies-recall-bailey-falter-designate-oscar-mercado-for-assignment.html | title=Philadelphia Phillies Recall Bailey Falter, Designate Oscar Mercado for Assignment | date=July 2022 }}</ref>
===Cleveland Guardians (second stint)=== The Cleveland Guardians claimed Mercado off of waivers on July 3, 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Darragh |title=Guardians Claim Oscar Mercado, Designate Yohan Ramirez |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/07/guardians-claim-oscar-mercado-designate-yohan-ramirez.html |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=July 3, 2022}}</ref> He was designated for assignment once again on July 11.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}} After clearing waivers, Mercado was outrighted to Triple–A Columbus Clippers on July 14.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}} He elected minor league free agency after the season on November 10.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=July 3, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 13, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
===St. Louis Cardinals (second stint)=== thumb|Óscar Mercado in St.Louis 2023. Mercado signed a minor league contract to return to the St. Louis Cardinals organization on November 18, 2022.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}} He began the 2023 season with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, playing in 34 games and hitting .278/.361/.421 with two home runs, 12 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases.<ref name=minors/> On May 17, the Cardinals selected Mercado to the active roster.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/roster-shuffle-welcomes-oscar-mercado-to-majors-with-club-he-was-drafted-by-cardinals-extra/article_5ff20802-f4ec-11ed-85dd-935e66ca3901.html | title=Roster shuffle welcomes Oscar Mercado to majors with club he was drafted by: Cardinals Extra | date=May 17, 2023 }}</ref> In 20 games for St. Louis, Mercado batted .290/.313/.387 with no home runs, five RBI, and two stolen bases.<ref name=minors/> On July 3, Mercado was designated for assignment by the Cardinals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cardinals' Oscar Mercado: Moves off 40-man roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cardinals-oscar-mercado-moves-off-40-man-roster/amp/|access-date=July 3, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}</ref> He cleared waivers and elected free agency in lieu of an outright assignment on July 5.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Oscar Mercado: Elects free agency|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/oscar-mercado-elects-free-agency/|access-date=July 5, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=July 5, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
===San Diego Padres=== On July 7, 2023, Mercado signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-07-07/p-4|title=Transactions|website=Minor League Baseball}}</ref> In 31 games for the Triple–A El Paso Chihuahuas, he batted .339/.399/.669 with 10 home runs, 37 RBI, and 10 stolen bases.<ref name=minors/> On August 22, Mercado opted out of his deal and became a free agent.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Oscar Mercado: Opts out of minors deal|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/oscar-mercado-opts-out-of-minors-deal/amp/|access-date=August 22, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}</ref>
===Los Angeles Dodgers=== On August 26, 2023, Mercado signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dodgers' Oscar Mercado: Joins Dodgers|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/dodgers-oscar-mercado-joins-dodgers/amp/|access-date=August 26, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}</ref> In 15 games for the Oklahoma City Dodgers, he batted .259 with two homers and 35 RBI.<ref name=minors/> Mercado elected free agency following the season on November 6.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2023 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2023-milb-free-agents/|access-date=May 17, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
===San Diego Padres (second stint)=== On December 28, 2023, Mercado signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-12-28 | title=Transactions }}</ref> In 78 games for the Triple–A El Paso Chihuahuas, he batted .226/.307/.425 with 11 home runs, 42 RBI, and 12 stolen bases. On August 1, 2024, Mercado opted out of his contract and became a free agent.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Oscar Mercado Opts Out Of Padres Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/oscar-mercado-opts-out-of-padres-deal-2.html|access-date=August 1, 2024|website=espn.com|date=August 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Detroit Tigers === On August 23, 2024, Mercado signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers and was assigned to the Triple–A Toledo Mud Hens.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-23 |title=Tigers Sign Oscar Mercado To Minor League Deal |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/tigers-sign-oscar-mercado-to-minor-league-deal.html |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref> In 15 games for Toledo, he batted .200/.315/.289 with one home run, eight RBI, and four stolen bases. Mercado elected free agency following the season on November 4.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2024/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2024|work=Baseball America|date=November 6, 2024|accessdate=November 6, 2024|first=Matt|last=Eddy}}</ref>
===Philadelphia Phillies (second stint)=== On February 14, 2025, Mercado signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Phillies Sign Oscar Mercado To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/phillies-sign-oscar-mercado-outfielder.html|access-date=February 14, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> In 92 appearances for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, he batted .252/.373/.385 with nine home runs, 54 RBI, and 35 stolen bases. On August 3, Mercado was released by the Phillies organization.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Phillies Release Oscar Mercado|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/08/phillies-release-oscar-mercado.html|access-date=August 3, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> Mercado re-signed with Philadelphia on a new minor league contract on August 13.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Phillies Re-Sign Óscar Mercado To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/08/phillies-re-sign-oscar-mercado-to-minor-league-deal.html|access-date=August 14, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> He elected free agency following the season on November 6.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2025|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2025/|access-date=November 28, 2025|website=baseballamerica.com|language=en}}</ref>
On February 14, 2026, Mercado signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/02/diamondbacks-sign-joe-ross-oscar-mercado-to-minor-league-deals.html|title=Diamondbacks Sign Joe Ross, Oscar Mercado To Minor League Deals|first=Mark|last=Polishuk|date=February 14, 2026|website=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref> He was released by the Diamondbacks on March 23. The following day, Mercado returned to the Phillies organization on a minor league contract.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Phillies, Oscar Mercado Agree To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/03/phillies-sign-oscar-mercado.html|access-date=March 26, 2026|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> He made 24 appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, slashing .141/.262/.183 with one home run, six RBI, and three stolen bases. On May 10, Mercado was released by Philadelphia.<ref>https://www.milb.com/transactions/2026-05-10</ref>
===Caliente de Durango=== On May 25, 2026, Mercado was signed by Caliente de Durango of the Mexican League.<ref>{{cite web|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 25 de mayo de 2026|url=https://lmb.com.mx/noticias/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-25-de-mayo-de-2026|date=25 May 2026|access-date=27 May 2026|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ricardo|last=Hernández|title=Caliente de Durango suma al colombiano Óscar Mercado, pelotero con recorrido en Ligas Mayores|url=https://www.elsiglodedurango.com.mx/noticia/2026/caliente-de-durango-suma-al-colombiano-oscar-mercado-pelotero-con-recorrido-en-ligas-mayores.html|website=El Siglo de Durango|date=26 May 2026|access-date=27 May 2026|language=es}}</ref>
==International career== Mercado represents the Colombian national team in international competition. At the 2017 World Baseball Classic, the 22-year old Mercado went hitless in his sole at-bat, but nevertheless scored a run as a pinch runner in a 4-1 victory over Canada. At the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Mercado hit .308/.400/.385, with a double and two walks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/stats/colombia/2023 |title=Stats - Colombia |website=MLB.com |access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref>
==Personal life== Mercado became an American citizen in 2018.<ref name=citizen/>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{baseballstats|mlb=640458|espn=35170|br=m/mercaos01|fangraphs=16375|brm=mercad000osc}} *{{Twitter|Osc_merc}}
{{Colombia roster 2017 World Baseball Classic}} {{Colombia roster 2023 World Baseball Classic}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mercado, Oscar}} Category:1994 births Category:Living people Category:Águilas Cibaeñas players Category:Baseball players from Cartagena, Colombia Category:Baseball players from Tampa, Florida Category:Caliente de Durango players Category:Cleveland Guardians players Category:Cleveland Indians players Category:Colombian emigrants to the United States Category:Colombian expatriate baseball players in Mexico Category:Colombian expatriate baseball players in the Dominican Republic Category:Columbus Clippers players Category:El Paso Chihuahuas players Category:Gulf Coast Cardinals players Category:Johnson City Cardinals players Category:Lehigh Valley IronPigs players Category:Major League Baseball outfielders Category:Major League Baseball players from Colombia Category:Memphis Redbirds players Category:Oklahoma City Dodgers players Category:Palm Beach Cardinals players Category:Peoria Chiefs players Category:Philadelphia Phillies players Category:Springfield Cardinals (Missouri) players Category:St. Louis Cardinals players Category:Surprise Saguaros players Category:Toledo Mud Hens players Category:World Baseball Classic players of Colombia Category:2017 World Baseball Classic players Category:2023 World Baseball Classic players