Missouri State

Background: Merced becomes the latest Springfield Kickapoo High School product to join the Bears, bringing strong baseball bloodlines and a proven track record as a prep multi-sport standout to the MSU program ... Earned All-Ozarks recognition from the Springfield News-Leader as an infielder last spring to help Kickapoo to a state quarterfinal berth ... Ranked as the No. 40 prospect in Missouri according to Prep Baseball Report ... Helped the Chiefs to third-place Missouri Class 5 finish as a sophomore in 2015, as well as a 24-8 campaign as a junior ... Played summer ball with the Midwest Nationals, clubbing three homers, driving in 22 runs and scoring 30 of his own in 47 games ... Prospered on the grid iron as well, playing a key role as a receiver for a program that went 21-3 over his final two prep seasons.

Personal: Roberto William Merced is the son of Orlando Merced and Shannon Kirby ... Born Feb. 23, 1999, in Bradenton, Fla. ... Father was a 13-year Major League Baseball veteran with seven different clubs ... Maternal great-grandfather, Bill Virdon, enjoyed a 12-year career in the big leagues, winning the 1955 National League Rookie of the Year Award, as well as a Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 1962 ... Plans to major business or finance at MSU.