• Full name Jordy Joe Mercer
  • Born 08/27/1986 in Taloga, OK
  • Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Oklahoma State
  • Debut 05/29/2012
  • Drafted in the 3rd round (79th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2008 (signed for $508,000).
    View Draft Report
    There aren't many all-around shortstops in this draft, and after Tim and Gordon Beckham go off the board at the top of the first round, Mercer might be the best bet to both hit and stay at the position. He has recovered from early season arthroscopic knee surgery in 2007 to display solid-average tools across the board. Though he's big for a shortstop at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he has smooth actions. His range and hands are fine, and he enhances his defensive package with a plus arm. Mercer doubles as Oklahoma State's closer, powering through a rough delivery with 91-94 mph fastballs, hard sliders and grit. He has room to get better as a hitter, as he can add strength and tighten his strike zone. He has improved each year, hitting .345 with 10 homers with a week to go in the regular season after batting a combined .284 with 11 homers in his first two seasons. Mercer's speed is slightly above-average, and he's an instinctive runner if not a basestealer.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2012
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009

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