Bold move for depth in a reshaped outfield. MJ Melendez has agreed to a one-year deal with the New York Mets, aimed at strengthening a group that took a hit from offseason trades.
He's set to earn $1.5 million in the majors and $425,000 if he spends time in the minor leagues.
Melendez, 27, once flashed as a top Kansas City prospect but spent the bulk of last season in the minors. In the majors with the Royals, he hit .083 (5-for-60) with one home run and two doubles.
Across four MLB seasons with Kansas City, Melendez owns a .215 batting average, 52 career homers, 163 RBIs, and a .685 OPS over 435 games. He reached free agency after Kansas City declined arbitration earlier this winter.
A left-handed hitter, Melendez began as a catcher and corner outfielder in 2022, then shifted to full-time outfield duties in 2024, with a rare second-ever appearance at first base.
His versatility lets him handle both corner outfield spots, which could be valuable for a Mets club that said goodbye to Brandon Nimmo in a trade to Texas and saw Jeff McNeil depart for Oakland this offseason. Star outfielder Starling Marte, at 37, also hit free agency this winter.
If the Mets’ plan includes moving Juan Soto from right field to left and leveraging Tyrone Taylor’s strong defense as a potential fourth outfielder, Melendez adds another flexible option. Top prospect Carson Benge (first round, 2024) will be in camp competing for a right-field spot, though he has just 24 Triple-A games under his belt. And center field remains a factor with the acquisition of Luis Robert Jr. in a White Sox deal to play there.
Last season at Triple-A Omaha, Melendez batted .261 with 20 homers, 64 RBIs, 20 stolen bases, and an .813 OPS over 107 games, underscoring his power-speed profile and familiarity with both corners.
Thought-provoking questions for fans: Does Melendez’s defensive flexibility and past power upside outweigh his recent struggles at the plate? With a crowded outfield and multiple moving parts in the Mets’ lineup, how should the team balance playing time among Melendez, Soto, Taylor, and the prospects in camp? Share your take on how this one-year signing fits the Mets’ broader rebuild or postseason push.
