The New York Mets have reportedly secured a one-year agreement with outfielder MJ Melendez. This signing, valued at $1.5 million plus an additional $500,000 in performance-based bonuses, marks a significant move for the 27-year-old player. While his most recent major league season saw limited production, his impressive past performances in the minor leagues and with the Kansas City Royals suggest considerable potential for the Mets.
Mets Finalize Deal with Outfielder MJ Melendez
In a recent development on Sunday, February 9, 2026, the New York Mets officially announced the acquisition of free agent outfielder MJ Melendez. The 27-year-old talent has committed to a one-year contract amounting to $1.5 million, with the potential to earn an additional $500,000 through performance incentives, as confirmed by multiple sports reports. Melendez's last season with the Kansas City Royals saw him bat .083, accumulating one home run and one RBI across 23 appearances. However, his previous stint in Triple-A Omaha showcased a more robust performance, where he hit .261 with 20 home runs and 64 RBIs in 107 games. Notably, in 2021, Melendez distinguished himself by leading all minor league players with a combined 41 home runs across the Royals' Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. This outstanding performance led to him being recognized as Kansas City's second-best prospect in 2022, only surpassed by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Drafted as a catcher by the Royals in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Melendez has spent his entire professional career within the Royals organization. His career statistics include a .215 batting average, 52 home runs, and 163 RBIs over 435 games played for Kansas City between 2022 and 2025. His 2023 season stands out as a personal best, where he posted a .235 average, 16 home runs, and 56 RBIs, coupled with a .316 on-base percentage and a .398 slugging percentage across 148 games.
This strategic signing by the Mets reflects a calculated risk on a player with a proven track record of power and potential, despite recent struggles. Melendez's ability to bounce back and replicate his earlier minor league and 2023 major league successes could provide a significant boost to the Mets' lineup. His versatility as an outfielder and his history as a catcher add valuable depth to the team, and fans will eagerly watch to see how he integrates into the New York club and utilizes this new opportunity to reignite his career.