Mets Sign OF MJ Melendez to Major League Contract

The article covers the New York Mets reaching an agreement with outfielder MJ Melendez on a one-year deal worth $1.5 million, with up to $500,000 in incentives. The deal depends on Melendez passing a physical.

It also looks at Melendez’s 2025 performance, his career highs, and the defensive versatility he brings as the Mets build their roster for 2026. The team hadn’t officially announced the signing when MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo and MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported it, but there’s already a lot of chatter about how Melendez might fit in Queens.

Deal at a glance

Melendez could give the Mets a veteran depth option in the outfield and at designated hitter. He’s a left-handed bat with power and defensive flexibility, positioned to compete for a spot in 2026.

The reported terms: a one-year contract for $1.5 million, with up to $500,000 in incentives, pending a physical. The money isn’t huge by Mets standards, but Melendez’s athleticism and potential upside make things interesting.

Sources close to the talks say New York hasn’t made anything official yet, though the deal is making the rounds in industry circles. Melendez’s power in the minors and his throwing arm add intrigue for the Mets, who hope he can contribute in 2026.

Contract details and incentives

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s reportedly on the table for Mets and Melendez:

Melendez brings power, athleticism, and versatility—the kind of traits the Mets want in today’s open-roster game. The incentives could reward him if he makes a bigger impact, whether that’s in limited at-bats or if he grabs a larger role during spring training or early in the season.

Pending physical and official confirmation

The deal depends on Melendez passing his physical, and the Mets haven’t put out an official statement yet. Players like Melendez—a lefty with pop and defensive options—are appealing for teams that want flexible outfield and DH choices. For now, the Melendez move is still a pending chapter in the Mets’ 2026 plans.

What Melendez brings to Queens

Melendez comes to New York as a former Top 100 prospect. His best stretch was in 2022, his rookie year with the Royals.

The left-handed slugger has shown big power and a strong arm—two things that fit well on a Mets roster that loves versatility. Can he turn his Triple-A success into steady Major League production in 2026? That’s the big question.

Defensive versatility and offensive upside

Melendez stands out for his ability to play different spots and contribute in more than one way. He hasn’t caught since 2023, but his glove covers corner outfield, some first base, and DH.

This kind of flexibility matters for the Mets, who want to keep their bench deep and have options late in games.

• Lefty power, with raw pop that showed up in Triple-A in 2025.
• Big throwing arm that can keep runners honest and help out in the outfield.
• Can play corner outfield and fill deeper roster roles.

Role in 2026

How much Melendez plays in 2026 will depend on his spring and how the Mets set up their outfield and DH rotation. He’ll likely start as a depth piece, but if his bat clicks, he could grab a platoon spot.

His shot at more playing time hinges on health, consistency, and whether he can cut down on strikeouts while making hard contact when he connects.

Career snapshot and numbers to watch

Melendez’s career slash line is .215/.297/.388 with 52 home runs in 435 games. That shows his power potential but also some inconsistency at the MLB level.

His rookie year in 2022 was his high point—18 homers and 62 RBIs in 129 games, mostly as a catcher. Since then, his bat has flashed but hasn’t found a groove. His 2025 stint with Kansas City saw a sharp drop in MLB performance.

Power, strikeouts, and plate discipline

He has a 26.5 percent strikeout rate in his big league career and a hard-hit rate near 46 percent—well above average. In 2025, he spent most of his time in the minors, but his numbers with Omaha—20 homers and an .813 OPS in 107 games—were encouraging.

The Mets will be watching to see if those minor league gains can finally show up in the majors in 2026.

Historical peak and recent trajectory

Melendez hasn’t confirmed a rebound yet. Still, his power and defensive versatility, plus the chance to start fresh with a new team, give him a real shot.

The Mets want to mix depth with upside. If Melendez finds his 2022-early-2023 form and cuts down the strikeouts, this signing might turn into a sneaky, high-reward move.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mets agree to big league deal with OF Melendez (report)