Last week, I discussed some minor league pitchers that were moving in the rankings. It’s only fair that I discuss some minor league hitters. Speaking of “fair”. Why is the pole called “the foul pole” when if the ball hits it, it’s fair?
The hit tool has always been his calling card. Over five minor league seasons, Hendry Mendez never posted a strikeout rate above 16%, thanks to consistently strong contact skills—including an 87% in-zone contact rate. That ability to put the bat on the ball has driven strong batting averages, though it's been primarily fueled by a high ground ball rate, typically around 60%. This ground-heavy approach has suppressed his power output, with a career-high of just five home runs in 2022 during his time with the Brewers.
Speed has been a mixed bag. Scouting grades range from 45 to 50, and while he has decent raw speed, the results haven’t been there. In 2022, he was caught stealing eight times and only succeeded seven. Since then, he’s largely abandoned the running game.
The most notable development this year has been a clear uptick in power. As of May 23, Mendez has already hit four home runs and nine doubles—well on pace to set new career highs in both categories. Some of this is likely due to physical maturation—he’s now 21 and listed at 6’3”, 175 pounds—but there’s also been a shift in his batted ball profile. His ground ball rate has dropped by 10 percentage points, down to 51%. While still on the high side, it's moving in the right direction.
If Mendez can continue to add power to his already plus, hit tool, there’s real upside here. The speed may never fully materialize in-game, but his developing bat could make him a valuable power-average contributor in fantasy formats.
He didn’t crack our Top 400 in May, but I’ll add him to my list and encourage the rest of the team to give him a closer look.
Sign up for Prospects Live
Your one stop shop for Dynasty Fantasy Baseball, MLB Draft, Baseball Card & MiLB Baseball content. Blending Data & Scouting into our Player Evaluation
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
Sophomore undergraduate student at Indiana University studying Sports Marketing & Management. Staff writer for Prospects Live covering MiLB prospects, MLB Draft, and Fantasy Baseball
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
A Giants fan living in San Diego, been playing fantasy baseball since 2005 and dynasty since 2021. Started the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast in June 2023 and joined Prospects Live in March of 2024.
