Tampa Bay Rays Place Former Top Prospect On Waivers

Catcher Francisco Mejía's journey with the Tampa Bay Rays has taken a new turn as he's been reinstated from the injured list only to be designated for assignment.

Once hailed as a top prospect, Mejía's performance has fallen short of expectations, reflected in a career batting line of .239/.284/.394 and defensive struggles.

Rays Manager Kevin Cash talking pre game regarding Francisco Mejia been designated for assignment from the 10-Day injured list and Wander Franco situation. pic.twitter.com/9AzJdlxrSK
— Luis Murphy (@LuisMurphy) August 22, 2023

Despite a promising start, a combination of injuries and underperformance has led to this crossroads.

The Rays' decision opens the door for other teams to claim him off waivers, offering Mejía an opportunity to rejuvenate his career in a different environment.

The Rays' move highlights the challenges Mejía has faced in translating potential into success. His designation for assignment not only underscores the team's strategic considerations but also presents a chance for another organization to harness his catching abilities.

#Rays DFA Francisco Mejia
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) August 22, 2023

As the catching responsibilities for the Rays now shift, they're betting on Christian Bethancourt and René Pinto while keeping an eye on the potential outcomes of this pivotal decision for Mejía's future in the game.

In total, over his seven-year career, the 27-year-old holds a .239/.284/.394 triple-slash line, with 29 home runs, 118 RBIs, a stolen base, and 124 runs scored across 355 games played. Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports