Name: Yoel Mecias

Position: LHP
Bats: L
Throws: L
DOB: 10/11/1993
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 160
Acquired: Signed out of Venezuela in October 2010 for $50,000 (Sal Agostinelli)

Career Synopsis: While signing in late 2010, Mecias did not make his stateside debut until 2012.  He logged 41.2 IP over 14 games (4 starts).  Mecias showed good control with a 2.38 BB/9 and missed some bats with a 7.34 K/9, and he finished the year with a 2.16 ERA.  His final month of August when he was moved to the rotation he struck out 18 while only walking 3 over 19 innings, finishing the month with a 1.89 ERA.  In Instructional Leagues Mecias impressed both scouts and Phillies front office staff with his velocity and good feel for his changeup.  In 2013 the Philles jumped Mecias to Lakewood where he put up a 3.79 ERA over 57 IP with a BB/9 of 3.95 and K/9 of 11.05.  However, Mecias’s season was cut short by Tommy John surgery in July.

Fastball: Mecias’s fastball sat mostly average in 2013 in the 89-92 range but he flashed plus in 2012 instructs.  The body has room that he should be able to add enough to sit plus long term.  He is still learning to control the pitch and with Tommy John surgery in 2013, it may not be until 2015 before he has mastery again. 50/60

Slider: Of Mecias’s three pitches his slider is the one lagging behind the other two.  Currently the slider is more fringe average but it shows average potential at times.  When Mecias returns from injury, the slider’s development will be the real determining factor of whether Mecias is a starter or reliever. 40/50

Changeup: Mecias’s changeup is a special pitch.  Right now it shows sharp armside movement and is close a current plus pitch.  There is some room for growth as he masters his fastball and the pitch could be a monster offering long term. 60/65

Profile: Mecias will miss much of 2014 to recovering from Tommy John surgery, and he only has 57 innings in full season ball.  If the slider and fastball tick up he could be a mid-rotation starter, but the profile could be more back end if the stuff doesn’t move up too much.  The danger is that the injury history and current frame will force him into a bullpen role long term.

Stats:

Baseball Reference
Fangraphs
MILB
Baseball America
MLBFarm

Articles/Scouting Reports:

Prospect Pu Pu Platter – Eric Longenhagen