Ex-Royals OF MJ Melendez supostamente assina com NY Mets

Former Kansas City Royals outfielder MJ Melendez has found a new home.

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On Sunday, Melendez reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million to join the New York Mets, per MLB insider Jon Heyman. He arrives in New York after four seasons with the Royals.

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Melendez was once a Royals top prospect. He was selected in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft as a catcher. He would later transition to the outfield as the Royals were set with Salvador Perez behind the plate.

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Melendez hit 41 homers across two minor-league affiliates in 2021. His offensive prowess led to his MLB debut a year later. However, Melendez never quite put it together at the big-league level.

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He struggled to hit for average despite hitting 52 career homers. In 2025, Melendez posted an .083 batting average in 60 at-bats. The Royals ultimately decided to demote Melendez to Triple-A Omaha for the remainder of the season.

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Melendez did fare better in the minors. He ironed out his swing and finished the 2025 campaign with an .813 OPS (on-base plus slugging), 20 homers, 64 RBIs and 20 stolen bases with the Omaha Storm Chasers.

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However, the Royals did not renew his contract for 2026. As a result, Melendez tested free agency and landed with the Mets.

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Now, Melendez is set for a fresh start. He gets a chance to make the Mets roster on opening day. New York boasts an outfield that includes Juan Soto and Luis Robert Jr.

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The Royals have moved on with Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas in their outfield. Collins arrived in a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers. He is expected to be the primary left fielder while Thomas — who was acquired in free agency — will get a chance for regular at-bats in the outfield rotation.

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Melendez will face his former team from July 7-9. The Royals travel to Citi Field to face the Mets just before the MLB All-Star Break.