Cristopher Crisostomo

1.1. Tampa Bay Rays Organization

On July 2, 2011, Cristopher Mercedes signed with the Tampa Bay Rays organization as an international free agent. He made his professional debut in 2012 with the Dominican Summer League Rays, recording a 1-3 win-loss record and a 3.66 ERA over 14 games across 51.2 IP. In 2013, he split his season between the DSL Rays and the rookie-level GCL Rays, achieving a combined 2-5 record with a 3.83 ERA in 14 games (8 starts) across 56.1 IP. He returned to the GCL Rays in 2014, where he pitched in 7 games, posting a 1-2 record with a 3.24 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 16.2 IP. For the 2015 season, Mercedes played for the Low-A Hudson Valley Renegades, where he recorded a 2-0 record with a 2.85 ERA in 18 appearances, pitching 41 IP. On October 8, 2015, Mercedes was released by the Rays organization.

1.2. Post-Rays Career

After his release from the Tampa Bay Rays, Mercedes spent 2016 playing with the Carp Academy in his native Dominican Republic, even donning the Carp uniform. However, his contract was not renewed by the academy, a reason he stated he did not fully understand. Determined to continue his baseball career, he participated in a tryout held by the Yomiuri Giants in Santo Domingo, which was open to 20 unsigned players, and successfully passed, securing a new opportunity in professional baseball.

2.1. Yomiuri Giants

On January 5, 2017, Cristopher Mercedes signed a developmental squad player contract with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), which was officially announced by NPB on January 31. His uniform number was 026. During this year, he pitched for the Giants' farm team in the Eastern League, appearing in 18 games (9 starts) and recording a 2-3 win-loss record with a 3.29 ERA over 65.2 IP.

In 2018, by July 7, Mercedes had compiled a 0-0 record with a 2.05 ERA in 6 games (3 starts) in the Eastern League, including strong performances of 7 innings, 2 earned runs on June 27, and 8 scoreless innings on July 4. His consistent performance led to his promotion to the Giants' main team roster on July 8. At this time, he signed a contract for an estimated 5.50 M JPY and his uniform number changed to 95. He made his NPB debut on July 10, starting against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, where he pitched 5.0 scoreless innings, earning his first NPB win. This made him the second player from a developmental squad to achieve a win in his debut, and the first to do so as a starting pitcher. He continued his impressive start with two more strong outings, pitching 7 scoreless innings (earning his second win) and 8 scoreless innings (extending his consecutive scoreless innings streak from debut to 20). Although his scoreless streak ended at 25 innings when he gave up a two-run home run to Shogo Kuwahara against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars on August 2, he still completed the game with 9 innings pitched, 3 hits, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs, earning his first NPB complete game win. This also tied him with Wilfin Obispo for the longest winning streak by a developmental player, with 3 consecutive wins. Despite two subsequent losses where he gave up 5 earned runs in each game, against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp on August 10 and the Chunichi Dragons on August 17, he made a strong comeback on August 24 against the Hanshin Tigers at Tokyo Dome. In this game, he not only pitched his first NPB shutout (9 innings, 2 hits, 2 walks, 7 strikeouts), securing his fourth win of the season, but also recorded his first NPB hit and RBI with a timely double off Takumi Akiyama in the 4th inning. He continued to be a key part of the starting rotation, finishing his rookie season with 5 wins and 4 losses and a 2.05 ERA in 13 starts. In the postseason, he started Game 1 of the 2018 Central League Climax Series Final Stage against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp but was pulled after 4 IP having given up 4 earned runs, resulting in a loss. In the offseason, his estimated annual salary was increased to 8.60 M JPY.

For the 2019 season, Mercedes was included in the opening rotation for the second consecutive year. He started his first game of the season, the fifth game of the opening series, against the Hanshin Tigers, pitching 8 innings with 3 earned runs to secure a win. However, in his next start on April 10 against the Chunichi Dragons, he pitched 7 innings with 3 earned runs but took the loss, leading to his temporary removal from the active roster on April 11 due to foreign player quota considerations. He returned after 10 days, pitching 7 scoreless innings against the Tigers on April 21, earning his second win and solidifying his place in the starting rotation. Despite occasional delistings for pitching rotation adjustments, he finished the first half of the season with 6 wins and 4 losses, and a 3.39 ERA in 14 starts. In the second half, his first start on July 17 against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows saw him take a loss with 3 earned runs in less than 5 innings, leading to his delisting on July 19. He rejoined the rotation on August 1 for a game against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. On September 3, he struggled against the Chunichi Dragons, pitching less than 3 innings and giving up 2 earned runs, resulting in a loss and his delisting on September 4. He made his return to the first team after about two weeks on September 19 against the Chunichi Dragons, pitching 6 innings with 1 earned run in a strong performance, though he did not get the decision. After the team secured its first league championship in five years on September 21, he was delisted on September 22. He concluded the 2019 season with 8 wins and 8 losses and a 3.52 ERA in 22 starts, contributing significantly to the team's league title. For his quick pitching tempo, particularly his average pitch interval of 9.2 seconds with no runners on base, which was the shortest in both leagues, he received the Speed-up Award. In the postseason, he pitched 7 scoreless innings against the Hanshin Tigers in Game 2 of the 2019 Central League Climax Series Final Stage, earning a win. He also started Game 2 of the 2019 Japan Series against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, pitching 6 innings with 1 hit and no earned runs, maintaining a perfect game through 5 IP and two outs. Despite his strong performance, the Giants' offense did not provide run support, and the team eventually lost. His estimated annual salary was raised to 11.00 M JPY in the offseason.

In 2020, Mercedes experienced left elbow discomfort during spring training and joined the rehabilitation group on February 8. He returned to game action on March 17. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the season, the league was shortened to 120 games, and opening day was delayed until June 19. Mercedes again made the opening rotation, starting the fifth game of the season against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp on June 24, where he pitched 3 innings and gave up 4 earned runs, taking the loss. Despite pitching well in subsequent starts, he remained winless until July 16, when he secured his first win of the season against the Carp by pitching 6 innings with 2 earned runs. While he maintained his spot in the rotation with 2 wins and 4 losses and a 3.83 ERA through 8 starts, he felt discomfort in his left elbow before his start against the Hanshin Tigers on August 19. Despite his desire to continue, manager Tatsunori Hara decided to remove him after 2 innings and 34 pitches. He was delisted on August 20. Mercedes returned to the first team on September 7 for a game against the Hanshin Tigers, pitching 6 scoreless innings to earn his third win. He also secured a win on September 13 against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, pitching 5.1 IP with 1 earned run. However, on September 20, he had to skip a scheduled start against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars due to renewed left elbow discomfort and was delisted on September 21. He did not make any further appearances that season and underwent left elbow cleaning surgery in late October. He finished the 2020 season with 4 wins and 4 losses and a 3.10 ERA in 11 starts. In the offseason, his estimated annual salary was increased to 40.00 M JPY.

In 2021, Mercedes' arrival in Japan was delayed until March 29 due to COVID-19 border restrictions. After completing his self-isolation period, he returned to game action in a third-team scrimmage on April 26. He made his first team return on June 4 against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, his first NPB start in 263 days. He pitched 5.2 IP scoreless innings, earning his first win of the season, though he left the game after cramping in his left hamstring. Following a strong performance on June 25 against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows where he pitched 7 innings with 1 earned run, he went on a personal 5-game winning streak through the All-Star break, which included a temporary halt for the Tokyo Olympics. However, on September 11, he took his second loss of the season against the Chunichi Dragons, giving up 5 earned runs in less than 3 innings. This began a slump where he pitched less than 5 innings in three consecutive starts. Despite some good pitching later in the season, he often lacked run support, ending the season with four consecutive losses. He concluded the 2021 season with 7 wins and 5 losses and a 3.77 ERA in 17 starts. In the offseason, his estimated annual salary was raised to 49.50 M JPY.

Mercedes entered the 2022 season in the opening rotation for the second time in his career. His first start was on March 30 against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, where he pitched 5.1 IP scoreless innings to earn his first win of the season. He also recorded the team's first hit and double in this game. He continued his strong start, securing consecutive wins and reaching 4 consecutive wins to start the season. On May 5, he suffered his first loss of the season against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, giving up 2 earned runs in 6 innings. He was then temporarily delisted on May 6 for schedule reasons. After 11 days, he returned to start against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp on May 17. Despite two more temporary delistings for rest, he maintained a record of 5 wins and 2 losses with a 2.65 ERA in 11 starts. However, on June 26, he developed a fever and was delisted on June 27 under a special COVID-19 provision, despite a negative PCR test. He returned to the first team on July 6 against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. His next start on July 13 against the Hanshin Tigers was his shortest career outing, as he was pulled after 1.1 IP having given up 6 runs (3 earned). He continued to struggle to earn a win, and was delisted again on August 19. In September, he started 3 games but did not record a win, extending his personal losing streak to 6 games. He finished the 2022 season with 5 wins and 7 losses and a 3.18 ERA in 20 starts. In the offseason, his contract with the Giants was not renewed, and he was officially released as a free agent on December 2, 2022.

2.2. Chiba Lotte Marines

On December 14, 2022, the Chiba Lotte Marines announced they had acquired Cristopher Mercedes. His estimated annual salary was 80.00 M JPY. On January 25, 2023, his uniform number was confirmed as 42.

In the 2023 regular season, Mercedes was part of the opening rotation. His first start for the Marines was on April 4 against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, where he pitched 6 scoreless innings but received a no-decision due to lack of run support. Despite maintaining a stable 2.17 ERA through his first 5 starts, he suffered 3 consecutive losses due to a low run support ratio of 0.90. His sixth start on May 14 against the Nippon-Ham Fighters finally brought him his first win with the Marines, and his first win in 344 days, pitching 6 innings with 2 unearned runs. On May 24, after a scheduled start was rained out, he made his first career NPB save in a relief appearance against the Saitama Seibu Lions, pitching 3 scoreless innings from the 7th inning. He then returned to the starting rotation. By the end of the first half of the season, he had a record of 3 wins, 5 losses, and 1 save with a 3.18 ERA in 14 games (12 starts). He finished the 2023 season with 4 wins and 8 losses and a 3.33 ERA in 22 appearances (20 starts). In the postseason, he started Game 2 of the 2023 Pacific League Climax Series Final Stage against the Orix Buffaloes, pitching 5 innings and giving up 3 earned runs, but received a no-decision. His contract was renewed with the Marines for an estimated 80.00 M JPY.

In 2024, Mercedes again secured a spot in the opening rotation. His first start of the season was on April 2 against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, where he pitched 6 IP with 1 earned run but received a no-decision. Despite consistent strong pitching, including a 1.80 ERA through his first 7 starts, he suffered from a lack of run support and bullpen collapses, resulting in a 0-1 record. He finally secured his first win of the season on May 25 against the SoftBank Hawks, pitching 8 scoreless innings. However, he struggled in subsequent starts, including a game on June 23 against the SoftBank Hawks where he gave up 5 earned runs in 7 innings. By the All-Star break, he had a 2-5 record with a 2.52 ERA in 15 starts. He was selected for his first NPB All-Star Game and pitched 2 scoreless innings in Game 1. He was delisted on July 17 for rest but returned to start on July 31 against the Seibu Lions, pitching 7 innings with 2 earned runs to earn his third win of the season. In August, he posted a 1-3 record with a 3.80 ERA over 21.1 IP, struggling with control and issuing 11 walks. He was delisted again on September 1. His last start of the season was on September 13 against the Seibu Lions, where he pitched 5 innings, giving up 5 hits and 2 runs (1 earned), but received a no-decision. He did not pitch again in the regular or postseason. He finished the 2024 season with 4 wins and 8 losses and a 2.71 ERA in 21 starts. For the second time in his career, he received the Speed-up Award for having the shortest average pitch interval without runners on base, at 9.5 seconds. His contract with the Marines was not renewed, and he was officially released as a free agent on December 2, 2024.

2.3. Uni-President Lions

On January 7, 2025, Cristopher Mercedes signed with the Uni-President Lions of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL).

3.1. 2020 Tokyo Olympics

On July 8, 2021, Cristopher Mercedes was named to the Olympic roster for the Dominican Republic national baseball team for the 2020 Summer Olympics (contested in 2021). He was considered the team's ace pitcher for the tournament. He pitched a total of 14 IP across 3 appearances (2 starts), recording a 3.21 ERA. His most significant contribution came in the bronze medal game against South Korea, where he entered as the fifth reliever and pitched 3.1 IP scoreless innings, earning the win. This victory secured the Dominican Republic's first-ever Olympic medal in baseball, a historic bronze.

4.1. Pitching Style and Repertoire

Mercedes' pitching repertoire includes a fastball, slider, changeup, curve, and two-seam fastball. While his average fastball velocity is in the low-87 mph ^{(140 km/h)} range, he has been recorded as fast as 94 mph ^{(152 km/h)}. A key weapon in his arsenal is a "Masusra" 真っスラ^Japanese (a term combining {{lang|ja|真っ直ぐ|massugu|straight}} and {{lang|ja|スライダー|suraidā|slider}}), which refers to his fastball's natural tendency to cut in on right-handed batters. His pitching strategy heavily relies on the combination of his fastball, which accounts for about 60% of his pitches, and his slider, which has significant break and makes up about 20% of his pitches. He effectively uses these two pitches to induce contact from opposing batters, regardless of whether they are left or right-handed. Mercedes is known for his excellent control, consistently maintaining a walk rate below 2.0 per 9 innings during his 5 years with the Yomiuri Giants. He also has a quick pitching tempo. While this fast pace can be an asset, it can also be a weakness, as he can become predictable and allow opponents to string hits together if he starts to struggle.

4.2. Awards and Records

Cristopher Mercedes has earned several distinctions and achieved notable records throughout his professional career.

• Awards:**
  • Speed-up Award: 2 times (pitcher category: 2019, 2024)
  • NPB All-Star: 1 time (2024)
  • First Records:**
    • Pitching:**
      • First appearance, first start, first win: July 10, 2018, against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Meiji Jingu Stadium, pitching 5 scoreless innings.
      • First strikeout: Same game, in the 3rd inning, striking out David Buchanan looking.
      • First complete game win: August 2, 2018, against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars at Yokohama Stadium, pitching 9 innings with 2 earned runs.
      • First shutout win: August 24, 2018, against the Hanshin Tigers at Tokyo Dome, pitching 9 innings, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks.
      • First save: May 24, 2023, against the Saitama Seibu Lions at ZOZO Marine Stadium, entering as the second reliever in the 7th inning and pitching 3 scoreless innings to close the game.
    • Batting:**
      • First at-bat: July 10, 2018, against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Meiji Jingu Stadium, striking out swinging against David Buchanan in the 3rd inning.
      • First hit and first RBI: August 24, 2018, against the Hanshin Tigers at Tokyo Dome, hitting a timely double to center field off Takumi Akiyama in the 4th inning.

5.1. Background and Interesting Facts

After his contract with the Carp Academy was not renewed in 2016, Mercedes has stated he was unsure of the exact reason, but his determination to succeed in baseball led him to the Yomiuri Giants' tryout, which he passed. His surname, "Mercedes," is a common name in the Dominican Republic. Despite the association with luxury cars, he humorously stated that because he lived in a team dormitory, he didn't own a car, but aspired to "work hard so I can ride a Mercedes-Benz someday." He also expressed that it would be an honor to win the "Yanase Giants MVP Award," which awards a Mercedes-Benz car to the team's most valuable player if the team finishes in the top three.

Mercedes maintains a close bond with his family, who reside in his hometown. He has a wife and a son, who was born in June 2017. Daily video calls with his wife are a regular routine, and she reportedly cried tears of joy upon learning of his promotion to the main roster. A peculiar and famous habit of his is his "banana bowl" diet: he regularly eats peeled and sliced bananas on top of plain white rice, without any additional toppings or sauces, during meals at the dormitory and stadium. He is also known to admire Randy Johnson, a legendary left-handed pitcher. Off the field, Mercedes is a fan of the Japanese manga series "Rurouni Kenshin".

6.1. Yearly Pitching Statistics

6.2. Yearly Fielding Statistics