Oscar Mercado

Born in Colombia, Mercado and his family moved to the U.S. when he was 8 years old. Six years later he was a varsity starter. Mercado had a better 2012 than he did in 2013. In fact, he had a better 2010, his freshman year at Gaither High in Tampa, when he hit .310 as he stepped in as a starter. Still growing at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Mercado struggled under the microscope of his draft season, hitting just .286 with five extra-base hits. Gaither went just 11-12 and failed to make the playoffs, ending Mercado's season in late April. He was expected to get an invitation to Florida's heavily-scouted state all-star game in Sebring at the end of May, which will be his last chance to make positive impression for scouts. He'll try to remind them of his bat last year, when he hit .370 for Gaither. At his best he shows a mechanically sound swing and bat control and gap power. Mercado likely will never hit for power, but he does play the small game well. He's an average runner with outstanding instincts on the bases, as well as in the field. He's a smooth, fluid defender whose glove will give him a chance to survive as a pro while his bat develops and strength catches up. He has good hands and footwork and a plus arm, as well as the ability to make accurate throws from different angles. Mercado's commitment to Florida State and poor spring could make it tough to figure out his signability.