The Mets made a low-risk addition last week, bringing in MJ Melendez on a one-year split contract.
Melendez was once among the top prospects in baseball and only sat behind Bobby Witt Jr. in the Royals’ system, but he hasn’t been able to find his footing in the majors to this point.
The former second-round pick hit just .083 last year before being demoted by the Royals.
He did, however, enjoy another strong offensive showing down in the minors, which is why the Mets believe he still has some upside left in that left-handed bat of his.
Melendez had 20 home runs, 20 stolen bases, 33 doubles, and a .813 OPS in 107 Triple-A games.
“I think there’s more in the tank,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He’s coming off a couple of down years, but I remember when he first came into the league he was a pretty good player -- he’s going to get an opportunity here.”
The best offensive showing of Melendez’s professional career came in 2021, when he hit 41 homers and drove in 103 runs between Double-A and Triple-A.
While he’s struck out a ton, he has shown flashes of that big-time pop in the majors.
The other big thing the Mets value about Melendez is the versatility he brings.
Melendez came up through the Royals' system as a catcher, but was forced to move to the outfield with veteran captain Salvador Perez holding down the position at the big-league level.
He's seen time at both corner outfield spots, first base, and third base over the years.
The 27-year-old does have a minor league option left, but if he's able to tap into some of that upside, he could provide the Mets with outfield insurance -- in case youngster Carson Benge isn’t ready -- or serve as an emergency third catcher in a pinch.
“I’m excited to have him,” Mendoza said.