Report: Mets Agree To Deal With MJ Melendez

According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the New York Mets agreed to a deal with the versatile MJ Melendez on Sunday. Heyman confirmed the deal is for one year and $1.5 million, but can earn an additional $500,000 in incentives. It is an MLB contract.

The 27-year old was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the second round back in 2017 has been with the club since. Over the course of his four big-league seasons Melendez has slashed .215/.297/.388 (.685 OPS).

Melendez missed time in 2024 with a left ankle sprain and in 2025 split the season between the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers and the Royals. He played in just 23 big league games, slashing .083/.154/.167 (.321 OPS). Though he did not have a great 2025 at the major-league level, he had 15-plus home runs in every season before 2025.

With Triple-A Omaha last season Melendez was quite strong. He posted a .261 average with a .813 OPS. He hit 33 doubles, 20 home runs, and drove in 64 runs through 107 games in the International league. He also stole 20 bases clinching a 20-20 season in Triple-A.

Melendez has been quite versatile in the field throughout his major league career. He has played 307 games in the outfield (left and right field), 88 at catcher, and two at first base. Melendez has a very strong arm (93rd percentile in arm strength in 2024 according to Baseball Savant), however, his range and play in the field otherwise has been quite troublesome. Melendez posted a negative-21 fielding run value at catcher back in 2022. In the outfield, he posted a negative-seven outs above average in 2023 and negative-six in 2024.

Melendez played with Criollos de Caguas this past winter and is participating in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he will play for Team Puerto Rico. He struggled in winter ball, posting a .477 OPS across 55 at-bats and 15 games.

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