Cut by Mets, former top prospect sends message to team
· Yahoo Sports
MJ Melendez signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the New York Mets in February. He isn’t the only reason the Mets have struggled to last place in the National League East, but he didn’t help.
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Melendez slashed .192/.315/.350 in 56 games before he was designated for assignment on Sunday, Aug. 2.
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Melendez quote-posted the Mets’ announcement on his Twitter/X account, sharing what amounted to a message to his former employer.
“I truly wish I could’ve brought more to the table this year,” Melendez wrote. “I appreciate the organization for giving me a chance and for the positive impact some of my teammates and staff made in my life. I wish nothing but the best.”
Melendez, 27, elected free agency last November after finishing his ninth season in the Kansas City Royals organization.
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Ostensibly the utility player was looking for a fresh start. Formerly a catcher, Melendez was the No. 3 prospect in the Royals organization in 2019. By 2021, he had reached Triple-A and was an organizational All-Star.
Instead of the heir apparent to World Series hero Salvador Perez, Melendez never achieved the level of MLB stardom his minor league numbers portended.
Blocked at catcher, Melendez moved to a corner outfield/utility role. His .685 OPS over four seasons in Kansas City (2022-25) wasn’t enough of a calling card at those premium offensive positions. He spent most of the 2025 season at Triple-A.
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The trade deadline is Aug. 3. The Mets (47-66 through Aug. 2) have already begun dealing some of their best players to contending teams. A.J. Minter is a Minnesota Twin. Freddy Peralta is a Tampa Bay Ray. Others could follow them out the door in the next 24 hours.
Melendez might be traded in the next 10 days too, if a team doesn’t want to risk losing him to another club via waivers. By designating him for assignment, the Mets bought themselves some time to decide who in the organization they want to take a closer look at over the season’s final two months.
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