Philadelphia Phillies Sign Former Top Prospect

Oscar Mercado is back where things were at least somewhat working.

After signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this year for a shot at cracking their roster, Mercado is now returning to the Philadelphia Phillies on a minor league deal after being released late in camp.

Oscar Mercado’s Spring With Diamondbacks Didn’t Stick

The D-Backs brought Mercado in as emergency depth more than anything, and it made sense at the time. 

Their outfield was dealing with injuries, Corbin Carroll was sidelined, and they needed bodies who could play all three spots and bring some speed. 

Mercado checked those boxes, but he just wasn't producing.

Talked about how the Ironpigs were short on hitters earlier this week and they just brought Oscar Mercado back. Still would expect probably another 2 hitters to be brought in. AAA season starts on Friday https://t.co/FABBMKipev

— Phillie Phacts (@PhilliePhacts) March 24, 2026

He hit .242/.265/.333 in limited spring action, and while that’s not disastrous on paper, it wasn’t enough to separate himself in a crowded depth battle. 

Arizona had younger options, prospects pushing for opportunities, and ultimately decided to move on before the season started. 

For Mercado, it was another short stop in what’s become a long stretch of bouncing around organizations since his last major league action in 2023.

Phillies Reunite With Oscar Mercado for Needed Depth

Mercado spent all of 2025 with the Phillies' Triple-A club in Lehigh Valley and quietly put together a solid season, slashing .249/.369/.373 with 11 home runs and 40 stolen bases while walking more than he struck out. 

That kind of profile still plays for a team looking for insurance in the outfield.

And the Phillies could use it. 

They’re handing center field to top prospect Justin Crawford to start the year, Johan Rojas is suspended for the first half, and their depth chart behind the starters isn’t exactly locked in. 

Mercado doesn’t fix anything at the major league level right now, but he gives them a familiar option who can be called upon if things get shaky.

For his MLB career, the 31-year-old has slashed .237/.289/.388, with 26 home runs, 100 RBIs, 29 stolen bases, and 123 runs scored across 298 games played.

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images