Free agent Yermin Mercedes working on his fitness as he eyes MLB comeback

Free agent Yermin Mercedes has been working hard on his fitness as he seeks to get his flailing career back on track.

Yermin Mercedes made his MLB debut for the Chicago White Sox in 2020. He had a memorable start to his MLB career, winning the American Rookie of the Month award for April 2021 before things went downhill.

Mercedes posted a picture on Instagram and wrote about trusting the process:

"I'm back...! Trust the process. 25 LB down, 265 before, now 240 plus muscle, just in 4 week..! Let's continue #teamñapa #kfuee"

Yermin Mercedes was designated for assignment by the Chicago Red Sox in June 2022. He was then signed by the San Francisco Giants, and he posted an Instagram video in celebration, with the caption:

"Enjoy your achievements; no one is going to do it for you."

He was released by the Giants in October last year.

---

When Yermin Mercedes called out for his lack of sportsmanship by Tony La Russa

Yermin Mercedes

The mercurial hitter was once criticized by the then Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa for showing disrespect towards the game.

He hit a homer off Minnesota Twins' Willians Astudillo while on a 3-0 count, leading the manager to brand him 'clueless'. Russa said:

"I was upset because that's not a time to swing 3-0. I knew the Twins knew I was upset. ... He missed a 3-0 take sign. With that kind of lead, that's just sportsmanship and respect for your opponent. There will be a consequence he has to endure here within our family. It's a learning experience."

Mercedes, though, did not sing from the same hymn sheet, as he responded:

"I'm always doing Yermin..For that reason, I'm here right now. For that reason, you guys are talking to me right now. If I'm not Yermin, if I'm not doing that, nobody wants to talk to me; nobody wants to know what I'm doing."

The public war of words continued, with La Russa retorting:

“I heard he said something like, ‘I play my game.’ No, he doesn’t. He plays the game of Major League Baseball, respects the game, respects opponents, and he’s got to respect the signs.”

With his on-field form suffering amidst these issues, Mercedes was sent down to the Minor Leagues in July 2021. He would hope to get his MLB career back on track.