The Outfielder has exercised the opt-out clause in his minor league deal with the Phillies, according to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors. As a result, the Phillies have released him, making him a free agent The five-year MLB veteran, owns a career slash line of .237/.289/.388 over 973 plate appearances with the Guardians, Phillies, and Cardinals from 2019 to 2023.
Most of his big league success came during his standout rookie season with Cleveland in 2019. Since then, he’s struggled to maintain consistent production and hasn’t played in the majors in over two years.
Despite decent performances in the minors — including time with the Padres, Dodgers, Tigers, and most recently the Phillies — Oscar Mercado hasn’t earned a return to the big leagues. In 2025, he posted a solid .252/.373/.385 line with 35 stolen bases in 43 tries over 378 plate appearances at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He also excelled against left-handed pitching, recording a .941 OPS. Still, the Phillies chose to stick with their internal right-handed outfield options until acquiring Harrison Bader at the trade deadline.
Bader’s arrival may have prompted Mercado’s decision to opt out, as it further reduced his chances of getting called up. With the trade deadline now passed, Mercado could find new opportunities with teams looking to fill outfield gaps created by recent roster moves.
