PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates will use the final three weeks of the season to look forward, evaluating their options for next season and beyond. Jordy Mercer, two months away from free agency, is finally allowing himself to do the same.
"This is the first time I've ever thought about my future," Mercer said. "It's crazy to ever think that. I've just been head down, pushing forward."
Mercer will continue to play this month as the Pirates want to honor his 11 years in the organization and give him a chance to prove himself before becoming a free agent. But it will not be on an everyday basis, as the 32-year-old shortstop is now splitting time with former first-round Draft pick Kevin Newman.
"I think teams know by now, man. Teams know that I can play," he said. "I obviously want to be back here, but if it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out -- and I get it. First and foremost, [I can] show teams that I'm healthy and show teams that I can still play."
There isn't much guesswork to be done regarding Mercer's production. Over the last three years, he has posted averages of .256, .255 and .255, on-base percentages between .321 and .328, and an adjusted OPS+ of 92. Advanced metrics waver on his defense from year to year, but he is widely regarded as a steady shortstop who makes the plays he's supposed to make.

The Bucs are pretty well stocked with middle-infield prospects, however, including Newman and Kevin Kramer. Shortstop prospect Cole Tucker has spent the entire season in Double-A. Mercer has been in the Pirates organization since 2008, longer than anyone on the roster but Starling Marte, so he has seen plenty of teammates come and go.
"So it's definitely in the back of your mind. I've seen guys come back, too, so you never know," Mercer said. "You just go out and play, stay healthy, continue to play, show teams that you can play so there's no ifs, ands or buts when it's going on in the offseason. We'll see what happens.
"It's an exciting time, too. I've been blessed to make it this far, which is really cool. I'm enjoying it."
Mercer is the Pirates' only pending free agent since Sean Rodriguez was released and Adeiny Hechavarria was traded. Even with Pittsburgh out of the postseason race, he still holds some responsibilities as a veteran leader in an increasingly young clubhouse.
Jameson Taillon said on Wednesday that the Pirates want to establish a winning culture heading into next year and impress that upon their September callups. Mercer is one of the few Pirates remaining from their 2013-15 postseason runs, so he can speak from experience.
"You have to figure out a way to make them realize that, yeah, you're living your dream -- of course you're happy to be here, no question about that -- but winning is so much better than just being here," Mercer said. "I think the only way you really know that is if you experience it. You can also pass it along. Everybody needs to play meaningful games and actually make the playoffs and see what it feels like, because it's an amazing feeling. If you can somewhat explain it to them like that and explain how it works, maybe it'll put a chip on their shoulder or kick them in the [butt] a little bit to get them going."