Yermín Mercedes is the most incredible story in the early going of the 2021 Major League Baseball season.
Mercedes wasn’t expected to be much of a contributor for the Chicago White Sox this season, but the Eloy Jiménez injury opened up an opportunity for the 28-year-old rookie (who had one MLB plate appearance entering this season). He proceeded to start the season 8-for-8 at the plate, becoming the first MLB player since 1900 to start the season with eight consecutive hits. He also showed off incredible power, crushing a 485-foot homer last week against the Kansas City Royals.
On Wednesday night against the Cleveland Indians, Mercedes crushed another glorious dinger with this three-run shot in the first inning:
Two weeks ago I didn't know who Yermin Mercedes was and now his at-bats are appointment viewing.
— Andrew Simon (@AndrewSimonMLB) April 15, 2021
That game is still only in the seventh inning, and Mercedes has the home run, a double, and a single. A triple for the cycle would seem quite unlikely for the 5’11”, 245-pounder, but we won’t put it past him at this point. He’s batting a ridiculous .514 with a 1.399 OPS in 41 plate appearances.