Position: RHP
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 150 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 04/03/2004
Country: Venezuela
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2021
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2025
Minor League Free Agency: 2027
Options Left: 3
Overview
Mendez is a projectible pitcher who signed out of Venezuela. He throws 92-93 mph from a three-quarters arm slot, and adds a change that appears to have some sink.
2021-23
In 2021, Mendez got into only one game, spending the rest of the season on the restricted list. He returned in 2022 and had a decent season. He had good walk and K rates, but opponents still hit 274/364/411 against him. In 2023 he made significant strides, pitching mostly in relief, often as a closer, and posting a 1.27 ERA. He had a 3.8 BB/9 and 10.5 K/9.
2024
Mendez went to the FCL in 2024 and pitched well over 16 relief outings, mostly two innings at a time. He had an ERA of 3.52 and a WHIP of 1.37, but his numbers were inflated by one outing in which he allowed seven earned runs out of the 12 he gave up at the level. The Pirates promoted Mendez to Bradenton late in the season and he made nine appearances there, putting up a 3.44 ERA and 10.3 K/9, with better control than he had in the FCL.
Stats
Transactions
January 15, 2021: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.