Early Career as a Shortstop
Erick Mejia began his professional journey playing as a shortstop. Undersized when he first signed as an international player, he nonetheless displayed a notable arm talent, throwing the ball with impressive strength from the infield. Despite his ability to reach the major leagues with Kansas City, his stint as a hitter was brief. Over 17 games, he recorded six hits in 36 at-bats while posting a modest OPS.
Pivot to the Bullpen
A turning point came during a blowout game when Mejia was called on to pitch. Initially clocking a fastball at 90 MPH, he surprised many by pushing his limit further on the mound. Recognizing his arm strength and clean mechanics, his performance in a subsequent appearance saw him reaching speeds up to 96 MPH, and later topping out at 98 MPH. His fastball, noted for its significant induced vertical break, quickly emerged as a key asset.
Embracing a New Role
The impressive display on the mound prompted the Nationals to invite Mejia to switch his focus to pitching full-time. Unwilling to let his career stall, he agreed to the transition. This change of role was seen as a strategic move to harness his innate arm talent, potentially transforming his future in the sport.
Challenges and Future Potential
At 30 years old, Mejia faces a steep learning curve. Mastering offspeed pitches, refining his command, and understanding the nuances of pitching remain ongoing challenges. However, his powerful, clean-acting delivery and the potential of his fastball position him as an intriguing prospect within the Nationals organization. His willingness to reinvent himself underscores the determination required to overcome obstacles and carve out a promising future on the mound.
