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Orioles Prospect's Meltdown: From Star to Scramble
23 Sep
Summary
- Dominican pitcher's promising career derailed in 2026 season.
- Struggled immensely with control, issuing 70 walks in 52.1 innings.
- Finished with a 0-9 record and a 9.80 ERA, casting doubt on future.
One year ago, Dominican pitcher Esteban Mejia was a rising star in the Orioles system, boasting a fastball touching 102 mph and impressive results. His 2025 season propelled him onto prospect lists, with projections of significant advancement in 2026.
However, Mejia's 2026 season proved to be an unmitigated disaster. Beginning the season with a repeat at Low-A Delmarva, he exhibited a severe lack of control. A nadir was reached on April 17, when he issued eight walks in 2.1 innings, throwing more balls than strikes.
Over his 15 starts through June, Mejia struggled to a 8.08 ERA and averaged over 12 walks per nine innings. Pulled for a month to the development list, he struggled upon return. In back-to-back starts in late July and early August, he failed to record an out against 11 batters faced.
Mejia concluded the 2026 season with a 0-9 record and a 9.80 ERA, walking 70 batters in 52.1 innings. This drastic fall from grace has put his promising career in jeopardy, with the Orioles facing a significant challenge to help him regain control and rebuild his prospect status for 2027.
