The New York Mets have agreed to a one-year contract with free-agent outfielder MJ Melendez, pending a physical. The deal is worth $1.5 million plus up to $500,000 in incentives, according to reports. Melendez, a former top prospect with the Kansas City Royals, aims to rebound after a challenging 2025 season.
The New York Mets bolstered their outfield depth by reaching an agreement with MJ Melendez on a one-year major league deal. Reported first by Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the contract includes $1.5 million in guaranteed money and $500,000 in performance incentives. The Mets have not yet confirmed the signing, which remains subject to Melendez passing a physical.
Melendez, who turns 27 in 2026, enters the deal as a left-handed slugger seeking to revive his career. Drafted by the Royals in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft (52nd overall), he was once ranked as Kansas City's No. 2 prospect behind Bobby Witt Jr. and led minor league baseball with 41 home runs in 2021. His big-league debut came in 2022, where he posted a strong rookie season with 18 homers and 62 RBIs in 129 games, primarily as a catcher.
However, sustained success has eluded him. Over four seasons with the Royals, Melendez has slashed .215/.297/.388 with 52 home runs in 435 games, plagued by a 26.5% strikeout rate despite a 46.2% hard-hit rate—above the league average of 37%. In 2025, after a demotion to Triple-A Omaha in April, he appeared in just 23 MLB games, hitting .083 with one homer and a .321 OPS. In the minors, though, he thrived, batting .261/.323/.490 with 20 homers, 20 stolen bases, and an .813 OPS in 107 games.
The Royals did not tender him a contract for 2026, making him a free agent despite remaining club control years. Originally a catcher, Melendez shifted to the outfield in 2023 due to a crowded Royals backstop situation. Royals GM J.J. Picollo explained the move in May 2023: “Taking a little bit off his mind from a preparation standpoint... we think [it] will pay dividends.” He offers versatility, capable of playing both corner outfield spots, designated hitter, first base, and catcher, though he hasn't caught in the majors since 2023.
For the Mets, Melendez provides competition in left field alongside prospect Carson Benge and others like Tyrone Taylor and Cristian Pache. This signing fits into New York's aggressive offseason, which has seen additions like Bo Bichette, Luis Robert Jr., and Jorge Polanco, emphasizing athleticism and defense after 2025's shortcomings.
