In a significant turn of events, MJ Melendez, the former outfielder for the Kansas City Royals, has officially signed with a new team. On Sunday, he reportedly finalized a one-year contract valued at $1.5 million to join the New York Mets, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman. This move marks the end of his four-season tenure with the Royals, where he initially rose through the ranks as one of their top prospects.
Drafted in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft as a catcher, Melendez later transitioned to an outfield position, primarily due to the presence of Salvador Perez, a veteran catcher well-established with the Royals. During his time in the minors, Melendez showcased remarkable talent, hitting an impressive 41 home runs across two minor-league teams in 2021. His stellar performance ultimately earned him a spot in the Major Leagues the following year. However, despite this promising start, Melendez struggled to find his footing at the MLB level.
His batting average was a concern, particularly highlighted by a dismal .083 average in 2025 over 60 at-bats. As a result, the Royals made the tough decision to demote Melendez to Triple-A Omaha for the rest of that season. In the minors, however, he demonstrated significant improvement, refining his swing and finishing the year with a strong .813 OPS (on-base plus slugging), along with 20 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases while playing for the Omaha Storm Chasers.
Despite these achievements, the Royals opted not to renew his contract for the 2026 season. Facing this setback, Melendez entered free agency and successfully secured a position with the Mets, where he now has the opportunity for a fresh start. He will compete for a spot on the opening day roster, joining a talented outfield that includes stars like Juan Soto and Luis Robert Jr.
Meanwhile, the Royals have shifted their focus, incorporating players such as Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas into their outfield lineup. Collins was acquired through a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers and is anticipated to take on the role of primary left fielder. Thomas, who joined the team via free agency, is also expected to receive regular playing time in the outfield rotation.
Interestingly, Melendez will face his former team when the Royals visit Citi Field from July 7-9, just prior to the MLB All-Star Break. This matchup promises to be a compelling storyline for both Melendez and the fans, offering a chance for reflection on his journey in the league so far.
Jaylon Thompson covers the Royals for The Kansas City Star. With previous experiences covering major sporting events such as the 2021 World Series and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his reporting. Jaylon is also a proud graduate of the University of Georgia.
