The New York Mets are once again testing the margins of the roster, this time by taking a low-cost flier on a player whose résumé still hints at unrealized upside. According to reports, the Mets have agreed to terms with outfielder MJ Melendez on a deal that will pay him $1.5 million in 2026, with the potential to earn an additional $500,000 in incentives. It is not a move designed to grab headlines, but it reflects a familiar Mets strategy: betting on pedigree and versatility while limiting financial risk.
A Former Top Prospect Still Searching for Consistency
Not long ago, Melendez was viewed as one of the more intriguing young hitters in baseball. Entering the 2022 season, he was a consensus top-100 prospect, praised for his raw power, athleticism, and the ability to impact the game from multiple positions. That promise, however, has been slow to materialize at the major league level. Over 1,652 plate appearances, Melendez has produced a .215/.297/.388 batting line with 52 home runs and 75 doubles, numbers that hint at power but also underline persistent contact and on-base issues.
Those struggles reached a low point in 2025. In just 65 plate appearances, Melendez collected five hits, including two doubles and a home run, while drawing three walks and striking out 23 times. The lack of plate discipline and swing-and-miss tendencies raised questions about his long-term offensive viability, particularly for a player once projected as a middle-of-the-order threat.
Versatility Gives the Mets Options
Despite the uneven production, Melendez offers traits the Mets value. Originally developed as a catcher, he has experience at both corner outfield spots and could still provide emergency depth behind the plate, even though his last catching appearance came in 2023. That positional flexibility opens the door for him to function as a hybrid player, logging innings in the outfield, occasionally at first base, and potentially serving as a third catcher.
This versatility is especially relevant given the Mets’ current roster construction. Left field remains unsettled following the trade of Brandon Nimmo for second baseman Marcus Semien, creating an opportunity for competition and experimentation.
Low Risk, Long-Term Upside
Prospect Carson Benge is expected to get a legitimate chance to seize the left field job with a strong spring training, but as a player without major league experience, his readiness is not guaranteed. Melendez gives the Mets a fallback option with big-league experience, ensuring they are not forced to rush a prospect before he is fully prepared.
Looking beyond 2026, Melendez remains under team control through 2029, making this more than a short-term stopgap. If a change of scenery helps him recapture some of the form that once made him a highly regarded prospect, the Mets could end up with a versatile, cost-controlled contributor. At worst, the financial commitment is modest. At best, it is the kind of under-the-radar move that quietly pays dividends over time.
