LANCASTER, PA — The Lancaster Stormers have signed infielders Melvin Mercedes and Luis Castro, filling out the roster as the club opens a three-game home series against the Long Island Ducks and gears up for the postseason.
Mercedes returns to Lancaster after completing his Mexican League season with Tigres de Quintana Roo, where he hit .264 over 77 games. A two-time Atlantic League Defensive Player of the Year who led the league in on-base percentage in 2023, the Bronx native is a switch-hitter and former Oakland Athletics farmhand, owning a .251 career average across seven minor-league seasons.
“Melvin is one of my favorites. He comes to play every day, has a great personality, and is great in the locker room. He’s truly an all-around ballplayer,” manager Ross Peeples said.
Castro begins his third Atlantic League season — and first with Lancaster — after an All-Star campaign with the Staten Island FerryHawks in 2024, when he batted .356 with 24 home runs and 80 RBIs over 95 games. The Venezuelan infielder previously spent nine seasons in affiliated ball with the Colorado Rockies and Milwaukee Brewers systems, posting a .274 average and 341 RBIs.
“In my opinion, Castro was the MVP of the league last year. He can flat-out hit and will provide a great presence in our lineup. He’s a class act of a human being as well,” Peeples said, adding that the team is “blessed to have both players in our locker room as we gear up for the playoffs.”
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.