Eric Mendez

Eric Ernesto Mendez

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 175 lb.

• Born December 3, 1999 in Cura Cabai Aruba

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Eric Mendez has pitched in the minor leagues and for the Netherlands national team. Born in Aruba, he was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks as an international amateur free agent on July 7, 2017. The scouts were Cesar Gerónimo, Jr. and Jaylon Pimentel.

He began his pro career with the DSL Diamondbacks 1 in 2018, going 4-1, 2.42 in 15 games including 8 starts. In 2019, he moved to the U.S. with the AZL Diamondbacks, where he was 2-0, 4.68 in 11 games, all in relief. He then had to sit out the 2020 season when the minor leagues were shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, he was with the ACL Diamondbacks and the Visalia Rawhide of what was called the Low-A West that year, combining to go 3-1, 2.70 in 24 games in relief, with 3 saves. In 2022, he spent the entire season with Visalia as the circuit re-claimed its historic name of "California League". He was 4-1, 3.97 in 44 games with 1 save, pitching 65 2/3 innings and striking out 64 batters. His walk rate was quite high, however, with 49 free passes issued.

Before the 2023 season, he was named to the Dutch national team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In the opening game of the tournament on March 8th, he was credited with his country's 4-2 win over Cuba, with Wendell Floranus recording the save. He worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings as the third of six pitchers on the night.