Position: RHP
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 186 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 12/16/1998
High School: Torrance (CA) HS
Drafted: 12th Round, 372nd Overall, 2017
How Acquired: Trade (with Indians for Jordan Luplow)
Bonus: $125,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Yes
Minor League Free Agency: 2023
Options Left: 3
Overview
Mendoza is a tall, lean pitcher who was all about projectability when Cleveland drafted him in 2017. When the Pirates acquired him, he was throwing in the low-90s, with a promising curve and change. Mendoza has generally put up high K rates while walking too many. He came to the Pirates with two other players for Jordan Luplow and Max Moroff.
2017-21
Mendoza made very slow progress, taking six years (one of them the pandemic season) to get out of rookie ball. He made only a brief GCL debut after signing, then went back there in 2018 and pitched decently, with a 4.58 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. The Pirates acquired him after the season in a five-player trade.
In 2019, Mendoza pitched as a starter for Bristol. He mostly struggled, with a 5.82 ERA and 5.8 BB/9. He gave up six home runs, all of them in July over the course of just 16.2 IP. After the canceled 2020 season, he missed most of the 2021 season with an unknown injury. He just made three rehab appearances late in the season.
2022-23
Mendoza opened the 2022 season with Bradenton, pitching in short relief. He had little trouble there, with opponents batting .134 against him. He moved up to Greensboro in mid-July, but after four rough outings he went out with another unknown injury, returning six weeks later to make one appearance. In 2023, Mendoza finally stayed healthy and spent the season with the Hoppers. He had a 3.13 ERA and 12.5 K/9, but he also had a 1.52 WHIP and 6.1 BB/9.
Mendoza is eligible for free agency.
Stats
Transactions
June 14, 2017: Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 12th round, 372nd overall pick; signed on July 6.
November 14, 2018: Traded by the Cleveland Indians with Erik Gonzalez and Tahnaj Thomas to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Jordan Luplow and Max Moroff.