Erick

Mejia

Mejia’s long-winding odyssey took an unexpected turn this past season as he successfully transitioned full-time to the mound, posting a respectable 4.59 ERA and 58/34 K/BB ratio over 49 innings across 45 relief appearances at three minor-league levels, finishing the year at Triple-A. The 31-year-old journeyman hasn’t appeared in the majors in nearly five years — and that was as a utility infielder. He should at least have a chance to compete for a spot in Washington’s season-opening bullpen this spring.

Mejia last appeared in the majors with the Royals during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign and will return to Washington as extra organizational depth. The 29-year-old is capable of handling multiple infield and outfield spots at this juncture and might get a look in the big leagues again at some point as a super-utility specialist.

The Nationals first round of cuts from spring training includes several depth relievers, and a useful utility infielder in Lucius Fox, but no major surprises.

The 28-year-old Mejia went 6-for-36 for the Royals between 2019 and 2020. He came in at .261/.330/.433 for the Mariners’ Triple-A club last season. he offers plenty of versatility throughout the infield and outfield, but the bat isn’t there to make him more than a 26th man.

Mejia appeared in 17 games for the Royals at the major-league level between 2019 and 2020, posting a subterranean .466 OPS in 42 plate appearances, before spending all of last season at Triple-A Omaha where he slashed an underwhelming .246/.317/.409 with seven homers in 228 plate appearances. He’ll bolster the Mariners’ minor-league position player depth heading into the 2022 season.

Mejia was non-tendered by the Royals earlier this month, but it didn’t take long for them to reach a new deal. The 25-year-old has appeared in 17 major-league games over the past two seasons while going 6-for-36 (.167) with two doubles and four RBI.

He’s not yet arbitration-eligible. The Royals might re-sign Mejia on a minor league pact.

Mejia is 1-for-14 at the plate this season across multiple stints.

Mejia didn’t see much action in his first stint with the Royals earlier this summer, and he figures to mostly serve as a bench player for the stretch run. The 25-year-old is a career .167/.257/.200 hitter in the majors.

Mejia made the Royals’ Opening Day roster out of summer camp but went hitless with five strikeouts across nine plate appearances. The versatile 25-year-old should get another chance at some point.