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Meet the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies: RHP Michael Mercado

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 1:00 PM ET

The 2025 MLB season is almost upon us and so is a crucial year for the Philadelphia Phillies. Fresh off an NL East title, but subsequent loss in the NLDS, the Fightins are once again hunting for Red October and an elusive third World Series Championship.

Over the next few days, we'll be taking you through each player with a chance at making the Phils' active roster and discussing expectations for all of them. Next up is the No. 22 prospect in their minor league system...

Name: Michael Mercado

Number: 63

Position: Pitcher

Throws: Right

Build: 6'4", 205 lbs.

Age: 25 (26 on April 15th)

Acquired: 2023-24 Offseason Trade with Tampa Bay Rays

Socials: Instagram

2024 Stats: 1-2, 11.08 ERA with 10 Ks, nine BBs, and a .406 opponent OBP over 5 appearances (13.0 IP) with the Phillies. Made his major league debut June 24 in Detroit, then his first career MLB start at the Chicago Cubs July 2, where he allowed one run over five innings of work. In AAA, Mercado posted a 2.07 ERA with 64 strikeouts and 35 walks in 69.2 innings.

2025 Projections: Despite an excellent season in Lehigh Valley, Mercado didn't seem quite ready for the majors last year, as he was shelled in his final three appearances. He's also had a rather rough spring, allowing four runs in 3.2 innings. Mercado still has two minor league options remaining, so the Phillies should send him down to start the year and decide if they want to continue converting him to a reliever or give him another shot as a starting pitcher.

Highlights from Last Season: