The New York Mets have signed MJ Melendez to a one-year contract, with league sources confirming the deal on Sunday. This 27-year-old outfielder joins the Mets during a time when playing time in left field is up for grabs. Melendez’s contract is structured as a split deal, which means it offers different salaries for major and minor league play; he will earn $1.5 million in the majors, with an additional potential $500,000 available through performance bonuses.
Melendez primarily played left and right field during his tenure with the Kansas City Royals, but he brings versatility that the Mets are keen on. Aside from his primary outfield role, the team sees potential for him to occasionally fill in at first base if necessary. Melendez’s experience as a catcher also positions him as an emergency option behind the plate for the Mets.
Competitors for the left-field position on the Mets include players like Brett Baty, Tyrone Taylor, and promising prospect Carson Benge. Recently, The Athletic noted that after the Mets’ significant signings—including Bo Bichette, Luis Robert Jr., and Freddy Peralta—they aimed for a more modest addition to their outfield, making Melendez a fitting choice.
Over his four seasons in the major leagues with the Royals, Melendez has posted a career batting average of .215, alongside a .297 on-base percentage and a .388 slugging percentage. Last season, he appeared in only 23 games at the major league level, spending much of the time at Triple-A Omaha, where he showcased his power by hitting 20 home runs.
Once regarded as a top-50 prospect in baseball while coming up as a catcher, Melendez transitioned to the outfield due to the presence of Salvador Perez in Kansas City. In his minor league career in 2021, he had an impressive showing, hitting 41 homers across Double-A and Triple-A levels. However, that level of performance hasn’t translated into the major leagues; Melendez had an average season in 2022, but his performance diminished in subsequent years, culminating in just five hits across 60 at-bats last season.
As the Mets look to finalize their bench, Melendez’s versatility offers a strategic advantage. If Benge does not make the Opening Day roster, Melendez could easily fit in, thanks to his ability to play various positions. Even if Benge secures a spot on the roster, the Mets’ current infield flexibility could allow them to prioritize Melendez over a more traditional backup infielder like Ronny Mauricio. This signing reflects the Mets’ ongoing strategy to build a well-rounded team capable of adapting in various game situations.