The New York Mets are rounding out their roster as MLB spring training approaches. On Sunday, MLB and insider Jon Heyman reports that the Mets are signing former Kansas City Royals outfielder and catcher MJ Melendez to an MLB deal. The deal is worth $1.5 million and has up to 500K in incentives in the contract, according to Heyman.
David Stearns and company are having one of (if not) the best offseasons in MLB, and this move further helps the team’s outfield depth, which is considered to be one of the sore spots for this Mets squad. Melendez appeared in 23 games with the Royals last season and struggled at the plate in his opportunities, but he has found success at the big league level in the past.
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Mets Sign MJ Melendez to MLB Contract
The fact that this deal is an MLB contract is a big deal because at this time of the offseason, several transactions are taking place across the league, and with spring training around the corner, a lot of players are receiving minor league deals with invites to spring camp.
But because this deal is reportedly worth $1.5 million, that means the Mets might be more inclines use him in multiple roles, and there’s a chance he will make New York’s Opening Day roster. It’s not a groundbreaking signing, but MJ Meledez has 52 career home runs over four MLB seasons, and is still just 27.
He’s listed as a left fielder and catcher, so that adds another option in the outfield alongside Juan Soto, Luis Robert Jr., Carson Benge, and Tyrone Taylor. He’s really phased out of being a catcher, but it will be interesting to see if New York tries to convert him back to add another layer of catching depth behind Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens.
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What Can MJ Melendez Bring to Queens?
MJ Melendez will still have to earn his spot in 2026. In 2025, he played just 23 games, and did not fare so well at the plate. He hit just .083 over 60 at bats, and ended up being sent to the minors to help fix his swing.
However, Melendez did find some success with the Royals in terms of power upside over his four seasons with the team. In 2024, he hit 17 home runs and 23 doubles.
Strikeouts are the big issue for Melendez, and if he doesn’t get the swing and miss out of his game, it will be tough to find a spot for him in the Mets outfield, even in a thin position group.
His career OPS+ is 90, and Melendez has a negative career bWAR (-1.4)
This could be an overpay for the Mets, but only time will be able to tell that. The interesting thing about this move from a financial aspect is if Melendez never ends up actually getting big league at bats, those who cover the Mets will be left puzzled to why they even signed him in the first play.
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