MLB’s One-Season Wonders: Devin Mesoraco and 2014
Being a Reds fan in the last 10 years has been a tall order. Mediocrity reigns in for Cincy baseball, with some underrated talent. Catcher Devin Mesoraco must be included, despite only being an absolute one-season wonder.
Before 2014
Cincinnati thought they saw something special in Mesoraco. The catcher was selected 15th overall, becoming the Reds’ third-ever first round pick at the position. He rose through the system steadily, becoming their top prospect in 2012.
Mesoraco’s first few seasons were tough ones for the young catcher. He battled slumps and injuries including a concussion. His stats are representative of his shortcomings. Between 2011-13, he slashed a miserable .225/.282/.359 in 175 games. Then, something clicked.
2014
The 2014 season didn’t start well for Mesoraco, appearing on the disabled list twice. What differed, however was his batting .294 well into June. This proved enough for an All-Star appearance.
He finished the season very strong, setting career highs in most categories. He batted .273/.359/.534 and an astounding 147 OPS+. Devin also slugged 25 home runs and drove in 80. He wound up 21st in MVP voting.
Beyond 2014
What followed Mesoraco’s impressive season was the Reds giving him a four-year, $28 million extension. Sadly, visions of 2014 never resurfaced.
A hip replacement in 2015 was the beginning of the end for Mesoraco’s career. He was never the same. After three miserable years with Cincy, they traded him to the Mets for Matt Harvey. By the conclusion of the 2018 season, he officially retired from baseball.
His stats during the post-2014 period consisted of a slash line of .206/.297/.356 with only 17 home runs and an OPS+ of 77. Devin Mesoraco only appeared in 179 at-bats during that stretch.
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