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| caption = Mejía with the [[San Diego Padres]] in 2019
| caption = Mejía with the [[San Diego Padres]] in 2019
| width =
| width =
| team = Tampa Bay Rays
| team = Milwaukee Brewers
| number = 21
| number =
| position = [[Catcher]]
| position = [[Catcher]]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|10|27}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|10|27}}
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| bats = Switch
| bats = Switch
| throws = Right
| throws = Right
| debutleague= MLB
| debutleague = MLB
| debutdate = September 1
| debutdate = September 1
| debutyear = 2017
| debutyear = 2017
| debutteam = Cleveland Indians
| debutteam = Cleveland Indians
| statyear = September 24, 2022
| statyear = 2023 season
| statleague = MLB
| statleague = MLB
| stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
| stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
| stat1value = .251
| stat1value = .239
| stat2label = [[Home run]]s
| stat2label = [[Home run]]s
| stat2value = 24
| stat2value = 29
| stat3label = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
| stat3label = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
| stat3value = 99
| stat3value = 118
|teams=
|teams =
*[[Cleveland Indians]] ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2018}})
* [[Cleveland Indians]] ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2018}})
*[[San Diego Padres]] ({{mlby|2018}}–{{mlby|2020}})
* [[San Diego Padres]] ({{mlby|2018}}–{{mlby|2020}})
*[[Tampa Bay Rays]] ({{mlby|2021}}–present)
* [[Tampa Bay Rays]] ({{mlby|2021}}–{{mlby|2023}})
}}
}}
'''Francisco José Mejía''' (born October 27, 1995) is a Dominican [[professional baseball]] [[catcher]] for the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the [[Cleveland Indians]] and [[San Diego Padres]].
'''Francisco José Mejía''' (born October 27, 1995) is a Dominican [[professional baseball]] [[catcher]] in the [[Milwaukee Brewers]] organization. He has previously played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Cleveland Indians]], [[San Diego Padres]], and [[Tampa Bay Rays]].


==Career==
==Career==
Mejía was born in [[Bani, Dominican Republic]].<ref name=autogenerated2>[http://m.mlb.com/player/642336/francisco-mejia Francisco Mejía Stats, Fantasy & News | MLB.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He studied at Las Carreras de Baní.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> Mejía is represented by the [[Sports agent|sports agency]] Independent Sports & Entertainment (ISE).<ref>[http://www.iseworldwide.com/ "Home"<!-- Bot generated title -->], iseworldwide.com.</ref>
Mejía was born in [[Bani, Dominican Republic]].<ref name=autogenerated2>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/|title=MLB.com &#124; The Official Site of Major League Baseball|website=MLB.com}}</ref> He studied at Las Carreras de Baní.<ref name=autogenerated2 /> Mejía is represented by the [[Sports agent|sports agency]] Independent Sports & Entertainment (ISE).<ref>[http://www.iseworldwide.com/ "Home"<!-- Bot generated title -->], iseworldwide.com.</ref>


===Cleveland Indians===
===Cleveland Indians===
In July 2012, Mejía signed with the [[Cleveland Indians]] for over $100,000 as a non-drafted international [[free agent]].<ref>[https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2013-international-signings-overview/ "2013 International Signings Overview; Cleveland Indians,"<!-- Bot generated title -->] ''Baseball America''.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140827&content_id=91810852&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb|title=Mejia walks off with highs in hits, RBIs|work=MiLB.com|access-date=November 19, 2014}}</ref> He made his professional debut in 2013 with the [[Arizona League Indians|Arizona Indians]] of the [[Rookie-level]] [[Arizona League]] with whom he spent the season, batting .205 with four home runs and 24 RBIs in 30 games. In 2014, he played for the [[Mahoning Valley Scrappers]] of the [[Class A-Short Season]] [[New York-Penn League]] where he posted a .282 batting average with two home runs and 36 RBIs in 66 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ohio/story/cleveland-indians-catching-prospect-francisco-mejia-070114|title=Only 18 years old, Indians top catching prospect possesses elite arm|work=FOX Sports|access-date=November 19, 2014}}</ref> He spent 2015 with the [[Lake County Captains]] of the [[Class A (baseball)|Class A]] [[Midwest League]]; there, he batted .243/.324/.345 with nine home runs and 53 RBIs.<ref name=autogenerated1>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mejia-004fra Francisco Mejia Minor, Winter & Fall Leagues Statistics & History | Baseball-Reference.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
In July 2012, Mejía signed with the [[Cleveland Indians]] for over $100,000 as a non-drafted international [[free agent]].<ref>[https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2013-international-signings-overview/ "2013 International Signings Overview; Cleveland Indians,"<!-- Bot generated title -->] ''Baseball America''.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140827&content_id=91810852&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb|title=Mejia walks off with highs in hits, RBIs|work=MiLB.com|access-date=November 19, 2014}}</ref> He made his professional debut in 2013 with the [[Arizona League Indians|Arizona Indians]] of the [[Rookie-level]] [[Arizona League]] with whom he spent the season, batting .205 with four home runs and 24 RBIs in 30 games. In 2014, he played for the [[Mahoning Valley Scrappers]] of the [[Class A-Short Season|Low–A]] [[New York-Penn League]] where he posted a .282 batting average with two home runs and 36 RBIs in 66 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ohio/story/cleveland-indians-catching-prospect-francisco-mejia-070114|title=Only 18 years old, Indians top catching prospect possesses elite arm|work=FOX Sports|access-date=November 19, 2014}}</ref> He spent 2015 with the [[Lake County Captains]] of the [[Class A (baseball)|Single–A]] [[Midwest League]]; there, he batted .243/.324/.345 with nine home runs and 53 RBIs.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mejia-004fra|title=Francisco Mejía Minor, Winter & Fall Leagues Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>


[[File:Francisco Mejia (26535690801) (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Mejía with the [[Lake County Captains]] in 2016]]
[[File:Francisco Mejia (26535690801) (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Mejía with the [[Lake County Captains]] in 2016]]
In 2016, Mejía began the season again with Lake County, and was promoted to the [[Lynchburg Hillcats]] of the [[Class A-Advanced]] [[Carolina League]] in June. At the time of his promotion, Mejía was in the midst of a [[hitting streak]] that had reached 24 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20160626/SPORTS/160629649 |title=Francisco Mejia, Tyler Krieger promoted after Lake County Captains beat Great Lakes |publisher=News-herald.com |date=June 27, 2016 |access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref> His hitting streak lasted for 50 games, and was the fourth-longest streak in the history of [[Minor League Baseball]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Zack Meisel|url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2016/08/cleveland_indians_prospect_fra_2.html |title=Cleveland Indians prospect Francisco Mejia has hitting streak snapped at 50 games, for real this time |publisher=cleveland.com |access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kramer |first=Daniel |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/192043120/indians-prospect-francisco-mejias-hit-streak/ |title=Indians prospect Francisco Mejia's hit streak &#124; MLB.com |publisher=M.mlb.com |date=January 20, 2016 |access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Peng |first=Michael |url=http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20160814&content_id=195598380&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb |title=Cleveland Indians' Francisco Mejia's hitting streak ends at 50, while Bobby Bradley homers in third straight for Lynchburg Hillcats|publisher=Milb.com |date=August 12, 2016 |access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref> He was reported to be involved in a trade to the [[Milwaukee Brewers]] for [[Jonathan Lucroy]]; however, the trade fell apart after Lucroy would not waive his no-trade clause.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith |first=Daren |url=http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20160731&content_id=192791622&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb |title=Riding 42-game hitting streak, Indians prospect Francisco Mejia involved in rumored Milwaukee Brewers Jonathan Lucroy trade |publisher=Milb.com |date=August 12, 2016 |access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref> In 102 total games between Lake County and Lynchburg, he posted a combined .342 batting average with 11 home runs, 80 RBIs and an .896 OPS. The Indians added him to their [[40-man roster]] after the season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beck |first=Jason |url=http://m.indians.mlb.com/news/article/209176016/indians-add-francisco-mejia-to-40-man-roster/ |title=Indians add Francisco Mejia to 40-man roster &#124; MLB.com |publisher=M.indians.mlb.com |date=2016-01-20 |access-date=2017-09-01}}</ref> In 2016-17 he played for the [[Estrellas de Oriente]] of the [[Dominican Winter League]], and batted .227/.217/.227 in nine games.<ref name=autogenerated1 />
In 2016, Mejía began the season again with Lake County, and was promoted to the [[Lynchburg Hillcats]] of the [[Class A-Advanced|High–A]] [[Carolina League]] in June. At the time of his promotion, Mejía was in the midst of a [[hitting streak]] that had reached 24 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20160626/SPORTS/160629649 |title=Francisco Mejia, Tyler Krieger promoted after Lake County Captains beat Great Lakes |publisher=News-herald.com |date=June 27, 2016 |access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref> His hitting streak lasted for 50 games, and was the fourth-longest streak in the history of [[Minor League Baseball]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Zack Meisel|url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2016/08/cleveland_indians_prospect_fra_2.html |title=Cleveland Indians prospect Francisco Mejia has hitting streak snapped at 50 games, for real this time |date=August 15, 2016 |publisher=cleveland.com |access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kramer |first=Daniel |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/192043120/indians-prospect-francisco-mejias-hit-streak/ |title=Indians prospect Francisco Mejia's hit streak &#124; MLB.com |publisher=M.mlb.com |date=January 20, 2016 |access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Peng |first=Michael |url=http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20160814&content_id=195598380&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb |title=Cleveland Indians' Francisco Mejia's hitting streak ends at 50, while Bobby Bradley homers in third straight for Lynchburg Hillcats|publisher=Milb.com |date=August 12, 2016 |access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref> He was reported to be involved in a trade to the [[Milwaukee Brewers]] for [[Jonathan Lucroy]]; however, the trade fell apart after Lucroy would not waive his no-trade clause.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith |first=Daren |url=http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20160731&content_id=192791622&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb |title=Riding 42-game hitting streak, Indians prospect Francisco Mejia involved in rumored Milwaukee Brewers Jonathan Lucroy trade |publisher=Milb.com |date=August 12, 2016 |access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref> In 102 total games between Lake County and Lynchburg, he posted a combined .342 batting average with 11 home runs, 80 RBIs and an .896 OPS. The Indians added him to their [[40-man roster]] after the season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beck |first=Jason |url=http://m.indians.mlb.com/news/article/209176016/indians-add-francisco-mejia-to-40-man-roster/ |title=Indians add Francisco Mejia to 40-man roster &#124; MLB.com |publisher=M.indians.mlb.com |date=2016-01-20 |access-date=2017-09-01}}</ref> In 2016-17 he played for the [[Estrellas de Oriente]] of the [[Dominican Winter League]], and batted .227/.217/.227 in nine games.<ref name=autogenerated1 />


[[File:Francisco Mejia (36434435044) (cropped).jpg|220px|thumb|right|Mejía batting for the [[2017 Cleveland Indians season|Cleveland Indians in 2017]]]]
[[File:Francisco Mejia (36434435044) (cropped).jpg|220px|thumb|right|Mejía batting for the [[2017 Cleveland Indians season|Cleveland Indians in 2017]]]]
Mejía began the 2017 season with the [[Akron RubberDucks]] of the [[Class AA]] [[Eastern League (1938–2020)|Eastern League]].<ref>[https://www.milb.com/milb/news/toolshed-cleveland-indians-prospect-francisco-mejia-hitting-where-he-left-off/c-226452340 "Toolshed: Mejia hitting where he left off"]</ref> After batting .297 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs, he was called up to the major leagues for the first time on September 1, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=642336#/career/R/hitting/2017/ALL|title=Francisco Mejia Stats, Highlights, Bio|publisher=MiLB.com|access-date=February 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Indians expand rosters to 34 players|url=http://m.indians.mlb.com/news/article/251799448/indians-expand-rosters-to-34-players/|publisher=Indians.com|date=September 1, 2017}}</ref> In the Major Leagues for the 2017 season, he batted .154/.214/.154 in 11 games.<ref name=autogenerated1 />
Mejía began the 2017 season with the [[Akron RubberDucks]] of the [[Class AA|Double–A]] [[Eastern League (1938–2020)|Eastern League]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/toolshed-cleveland-indians-prospect-francisco-mejia-hitting-where-he-l-226452340|title=Toolshed: Mejia hitting where he left off|website=MiLB.com}}</ref> After batting .297 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs, he was called up to the major leagues for the first time on September 1, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=642336#/career/R/hitting/2017/ALL|title=Francisco Mejia Stats, Highlights, Bio|publisher=MiLB.com|access-date=February 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Indians expand rosters to 34 players|url=http://m.indians.mlb.com/news/article/251799448/indians-expand-rosters-to-34-players/|publisher=Indians.com|date=September 1, 2017}}</ref> In the Major Leagues for the 2017 season, he batted .154/.214/.154 in 11 games.<ref name=autogenerated1 />


[[MLB.com]] ranked Mejía as Cleveland's top prospect going into the 2018 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/indians-top-30-filled-with-homegrown-talent/c-266818884?tid=151437456|title=Tribe's 2018 Top 30 Prospects list is 100% homegrown|work=MLB.com|access-date=February 22, 2018}}</ref> He began the 2018 season with the [[Columbus Clippers]] of the [[Class AAA]] [[International League]].<ref>[https://www.letsgotribe.com/2018/3/12/17110112/indians-option-francisco-mejia-to-triple-a Indians option Francisco Mejia to Triple-A - Let's Go Tribe<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
[[MLB.com]] ranked Mejía as Cleveland's top prospect going into the 2018 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/indians-top-30-filled-with-homegrown-talent/c-266818884?tid=151437456|title=Tribe's 2018 Top 30 Prospects list is 100% homegrown|work=MLB.com|access-date=February 22, 2018}}</ref> He began the 2018 season with the [[Columbus Clippers]] of the [[Class AAA|Triple–A]] [[International League]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2018/3/12/17110112/indians-option-francisco-mejia-to-triple-a|title=Indians option Francisco Mejia to Triple-A|first=Matt|last=Lyons|date=March 12, 2018|website=Covering the Corner}}</ref>


===San Diego Padres===
===San Diego Padres===
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===Tampa Bay Rays===
===Tampa Bay Rays===
On December 29, 2020, Mejía, along with prospects [[Luis Patiño (baseball)|Luis Patiño]], [[Blake Hunt]], and [[Cole Wilcox]], was traded to the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] in exchange for [[Blake Snell]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cassavell |first1=AJ |title=Padres' blockbuster trade for Snell official |url=https://www.mlb.com/padres/news/blake-snell-traded-to-padres |website=San Diego Padres |access-date=29 December 2020}}</ref>
On December 29, 2020, Mejía, along with prospects [[Luis Patiño (baseball)|Luis Patiño]], [[Blake Hunt]], and [[Cole Wilcox]], was traded to the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] in exchange for [[Blake Snell]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cassavell |first1=AJ |title=Padres' blockbuster trade for Snell official |url=https://www.mlb.com/padres/news/blake-snell-traded-to-padres |website=San Diego Padres |access-date=29 December 2020}}</ref> In 2021, Mejía played in 84 games, hitting .260/.322/.416 with 6 home runs and a career–high 35 RBI.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Francisco Mejía - Stats - Batting|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/players/francisco-mejia/16403/stats?position=C|access-date=November 4, 2023|website=fangraphs.com|language=en}}</ref>

Mejía had 289 at–bats over 93 games in 2022 and slashed .242/.264/.381 with nearly identical home run and RBI tallies as the previous season, with 6 and 31, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Francisco Mejía Stats & Scouting Report|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/3000-francisco-mejia/|access-date=November 4, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|language=en}}</ref>

Mejía played in 50 games for the Rays in 2023, hitting .227/.258/.400 with 5 home runs and 19 RBI. After a brief stint on the injured list, Mejía was activated on August 22, 2023, and subsequently [[designated for assignment]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rays designate catcher Francisco Mejia, stick with Rene Pinto|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2023/08/22/francisco-mejia-rene-pinto-kevin-kelly-kevin-cash-christian-bethancourt/|access-date=August 23, 2023|website=tampabay.com|language=en}}</ref> On August 28, Mejía cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–A [[Durham Bulls]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Francisco Mejia accepts Triple-A assignment to stay with Rays|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2023/08/28/francisco-mejia-alex-jackson-rene-pinto-durham-idalia-aaron-civale/|access-date=August 31, 2023|website=tampabay.com|language=en}}</ref> On October 5, Mejía elected free agency.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-10-05 | title=Transactions }}</ref>

On December 22, 2023, Mejía signed a minor league contract with the [[Los Angeles Angels]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/angels-sign-francisco-mejia-to-minor-league-deal.html|title=Angels Sign Francisco Mejia To Minor League Deal|date=December 22, 2023|website=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref> However, he was released by the Angels on February 25, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/angels-release-francisco-mejia-from-minor-league-deal.html|title=Angels Release Francisco Mejia From Minor League Deal|date=February 25, 2024|website=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref> Four days later, he re-signed with the Rays on a minor league contract<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/rays-sign-francisco-mejia-minors.html|title=Rays Re-Sign Francisco Mejia To Minor League Deal|date=February 29, 2024|website=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref> but they released him on March 27.<ref>https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-03-27/p-2</ref>

===Milwaukee Brewers===
On April 5, 2024, Mejía signed a minor league contract with the [[Milwaukee Brewers]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Brewers, Francisco Mejia Agree To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/04/brewers-sign-francisco-mejia-catcher.html|access-date=April 5, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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*{{Instagram|francisco_miguel1327}}
*{{Instagram|francisco_miguel1327}}


{{Tampa Bay Rays roster navbox}}
{{Dominican Republic roster 2023 World Baseball Classic}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Mejia, Francisco}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mejia, Francisco}}
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[[Category:Cleveland Indians players]]
[[Category:Cleveland Indians players]]
[[Category:Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in the United States]]
[[Category:Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in the United States]]
[[Category:Durham Bulls players]]
[[Category:El Paso Chihuahuas players]]
[[Category:El Paso Chihuahuas players]]
[[Category:Estrellas Orientales players]]
[[Category:Estrellas Orientales players]]
[[Category:Florida Complex League Rays players]]
[[Category:Lake County Captains players]]
[[Category:Lake County Captains players]]
[[Category:Lynchburg Hillcats players]]
[[Category:Lynchburg Hillcats players]]
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[[Category:Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic]]
[[Category:Mahoning Valley Scrappers players]]
[[Category:Mahoning Valley Scrappers players]]
[[Category:Nashville Sounds players]]
[[Category:San Diego Padres players]]
[[Category:San Diego Padres players]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Baní]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Rays players]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Rays players]]
[[Category:2023 World Baseball Classic players]]

Latest revision as of 06:37, 8 April 2024

Francisco Mejía
Mejía with the San Diego Padres in 2019
Milwaukee Brewers
Catcher
Born: (1995-10-27) October 27, 1995 (age 28)
Baní, Peravia, Dominican Republic
Bats: Switch
Throws: Right
MLB debut
September 1, 2017, for the Cleveland Indians
MLB statistics
(through 2023 season)
Batting average.239
Home runs29
Runs batted in118
Teams

Francisco José Mejía (born October 27, 1995) is a Dominican professional baseball catcher in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, San Diego Padres, and Tampa Bay Rays.

Career[edit]

Mejía was born in Bani, Dominican Republic.[1] He studied at Las Carreras de Baní.[1] Mejía is represented by the sports agency Independent Sports & Entertainment (ISE).[2]

Cleveland Indians[edit]

In July 2012, Mejía signed with the Cleveland Indians for over $100,000 as a non-drafted international free agent.[3][4] He made his professional debut in 2013 with the Arizona Indians of the Rookie-level Arizona League with whom he spent the season, batting .205 with four home runs and 24 RBIs in 30 games. In 2014, he played for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers of the Low–A New York-Penn League where he posted a .282 batting average with two home runs and 36 RBIs in 66 games.[5] He spent 2015 with the Lake County Captains of the Single–A Midwest League; there, he batted .243/.324/.345 with nine home runs and 53 RBIs.[6]

Mejía with the Lake County Captains in 2016

In 2016, Mejía began the season again with Lake County, and was promoted to the Lynchburg Hillcats of the High–A Carolina League in June. At the time of his promotion, Mejía was in the midst of a hitting streak that had reached 24 games.[7] His hitting streak lasted for 50 games, and was the fourth-longest streak in the history of Minor League Baseball.[8][9][10] He was reported to be involved in a trade to the Milwaukee Brewers for Jonathan Lucroy; however, the trade fell apart after Lucroy would not waive his no-trade clause.[11] In 102 total games between Lake County and Lynchburg, he posted a combined .342 batting average with 11 home runs, 80 RBIs and an .896 OPS. The Indians added him to their 40-man roster after the season.[12] In 2016-17 he played for the Estrellas de Oriente of the Dominican Winter League, and batted .227/.217/.227 in nine games.[6]

Mejía batting for the Cleveland Indians in 2017

Mejía began the 2017 season with the Akron RubberDucks of the Double–A Eastern League.[13] After batting .297 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs, he was called up to the major leagues for the first time on September 1, 2017.[14][15] In the Major Leagues for the 2017 season, he batted .154/.214/.154 in 11 games.[6]

MLB.com ranked Mejía as Cleveland's top prospect going into the 2018 season.[16] He began the 2018 season with the Columbus Clippers of the Triple–A International League.[17]

San Diego Padres[edit]

Mejía was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Brad Hand and Adam Cimber on July 19, 2018.[18] The Padres assigned him to the El Paso Chihuahuas of the Pacific Coast League.[19] The Padres recalled Mejía from the minors on September 4, 2018.

In 2019, he had the best arm of all major league catchers (88.6).[20] Mejia struggled to find playing time throughout his time in San Diego, putting up a slash line of 185/.241/.389 in just 20 games in 2018.[21] While he received more playing time in 2019, he was given a chance to prove himself and he was around league average, putting up an OPS+ at 99. In the 2020 season, Mejia played in just 17 games, while being on the injured list for a month with a bruised thumb. He struggled in 2020, putting up a .322 OPS and mustering just 3 hits in 39 at bats.

Tampa Bay Rays[edit]

On December 29, 2020, Mejía, along with prospects Luis Patiño, Blake Hunt, and Cole Wilcox, was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Blake Snell.[22] In 2021, Mejía played in 84 games, hitting .260/.322/.416 with 6 home runs and a career–high 35 RBI.[23]

Mejía had 289 at–bats over 93 games in 2022 and slashed .242/.264/.381 with nearly identical home run and RBI tallies as the previous season, with 6 and 31, respectively.[24]

Mejía played in 50 games for the Rays in 2023, hitting .227/.258/.400 with 5 home runs and 19 RBI. After a brief stint on the injured list, Mejía was activated on August 22, 2023, and subsequently designated for assignment.[25] On August 28, Mejía cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–A Durham Bulls.[26] On October 5, Mejía elected free agency.[27]

On December 22, 2023, Mejía signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels.[28] However, he was released by the Angels on February 25, 2024.[29] Four days later, he re-signed with the Rays on a minor league contract[30] but they released him on March 27.[31]

Milwaukee Brewers[edit]

On April 5, 2024, Mejía signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.[32]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "MLB.com | The Official Site of Major League Baseball". MLB.com.
  2. ^ "Home", iseworldwide.com.
  3. ^ "2013 International Signings Overview; Cleveland Indians," Baseball America.
  4. ^ "Mejia walks off with highs in hits, RBIs". MiLB.com. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
  5. ^ "Only 18 years old, Indians top catching prospect possesses elite arm". FOX Sports. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
  6. ^ a b c "Francisco Mejía Minor, Winter & Fall Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  7. ^ "Francisco Mejia, Tyler Krieger promoted after Lake County Captains beat Great Lakes". News-herald.com. June 27, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  8. ^ Zack Meisel (August 15, 2016). "Cleveland Indians prospect Francisco Mejia has hitting streak snapped at 50 games, for real this time". cleveland.com. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  9. ^ Kramer, Daniel (January 20, 2016). "Indians prospect Francisco Mejia's hit streak | MLB.com". M.mlb.com. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  10. ^ Peng, Michael (August 12, 2016). "Cleveland Indians' Francisco Mejia's hitting streak ends at 50, while Bobby Bradley homers in third straight for Lynchburg Hillcats". Milb.com. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  11. ^ Smith, Daren (August 12, 2016). "Riding 42-game hitting streak, Indians prospect Francisco Mejia involved in rumored Milwaukee Brewers Jonathan Lucroy trade". Milb.com. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  12. ^ Beck, Jason (January 20, 2016). "Indians add Francisco Mejia to 40-man roster | MLB.com". M.indians.mlb.com. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  13. ^ "Toolshed: Mejia hitting where he left off". MiLB.com.
  14. ^ "Francisco Mejia Stats, Highlights, Bio". MiLB.com. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
  15. ^ "Indians expand rosters to 34 players". Indians.com. September 1, 2017.
  16. ^ "Tribe's 2018 Top 30 Prospects list is 100% homegrown". MLB.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  17. ^ Lyons, Matt (March 12, 2018). "Indians option Francisco Mejia to Triple-A". Covering the Corner.
  18. ^ "Indians deal for ace reliever Brad Hand". Indians.com. July 19, 2018.
  19. ^ "Mejia collects three hits for Chihuahuas". MiLB.com. July 29, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  20. ^ "Statcast Catcher Pop Time Leaderboard | baseballsavant.com". Baseballsavant.mlb.com. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  21. ^ "Francisco Mejia Stats". Baseball-Reference.
  22. ^ Cassavell, AJ. "Padres' blockbuster trade for Snell official". San Diego Padres. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  23. ^ "Francisco Mejía - Stats - Batting". fangraphs.com. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  24. ^ "Francisco Mejía Stats & Scouting Report". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  25. ^ "Rays designate catcher Francisco Mejia, stick with Rene Pinto". tampabay.com. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  26. ^ "Francisco Mejia accepts Triple-A assignment to stay with Rays". tampabay.com. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  27. ^ "Transactions".
  28. ^ "Angels Sign Francisco Mejia To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. December 22, 2023.
  29. ^ "Angels Release Francisco Mejia From Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. February 25, 2024.
  30. ^ "Rays Re-Sign Francisco Mejia To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. February 29, 2024.
  31. ^ https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-03-27/p-2
  32. ^ "Brewers, Francisco Mejia Agree To Minor League Deal". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved April 5, 2024.

External links[edit]