Track Record: Mercado, a native of Colombia, moved to Florida with his family when he was 8 years old and eventually developed into one of the top shortstops in the country. He struggled at the outset of his professional career but got back on track following a full-time move to the outfield in 2017 at Double-A Springfield. He was putting together another solid season the following year when he was dealt to the Indians at the trade deadline in exchange for two minor league outfielders.

Scouting Report: The Indians liked Mercado's all-around skill set and his ability to fill an organizational need for a righthanded center fielder, because nearly all their upper-level outfielders are lefthanded hitters. Mercado has wiry strength and produces good bat speed. After his strikeout rate spiked in 2017, he did a much better job in 2018 of controlling the strike zone. His average raw power mostly plays as doubles pop and he does a good job of using his plus speed on the bases. His speed also plays well in the outfield, where he covers ground well. He has average arm strength.

The Future: The Indians entered the offseason with a muddled outfield picture due to potential free agent losses and injuries. No matter how the winter plays out, Mercado figures to compete for a big-league job in spring training, either as a regular or a fourth outfielder.