Baseball America Prospect Report—April 9, 2021

Nick Neidert, RHP, Marlins: Thrust into a starting role without a whole lot of advanced warning because of the Marlins’ multiple injuries to members of the starting rotation, Neidert’s first MLB start went better than may have been expected. He was pulled after 4.1 innings thanks to some control troubles, but he left with the lead, having allowed only one run on three hits and five walks. He struck out three. Neidert generally sat 92-93 mph, a tick above where he sat last year and he touched 95.

Ryan Mountcastle, LF, Orioles: Mountcastle hit his first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the first inning. It’s been a slow start for Mountcastle as he’s hitting .179/.233/.321.

Yermin Mercedes, DH, White Sox: Chicago has gotten a big boost from a rookie DH, but it’s Mercedes, the well-traveled former MiLB Rule 5 pick who’s doing it instead of 2019 first-round pick Andrew Vaughn. Mercedes’ second home run of the season was a majestic 485-foot blast that is the longest regular season home run a White Sox has hit in the Statcast era.

Dylan Carlson, CF, Cardinals: It’s been an unusual start to the season for Carlson. He’s hitting only .182 with a .269 on-base percentage, but he’s also been one of the Cardinals’ best hitters thanks to three home runs and (on Thursday) his first double of the season. He’s slugging .636.

BATTERS

PITCHERS

2021 Baseball America MLB All-Rookie Team

One area of strength for the 2021 rookie crop was starting pitching.