Mj Melendez’s Bounce-Back Chance in Queens: Mets 2026 Preview and a Surprising Position Move
mj melendez arrives in Mets camp as a player with clear upside and urgent repair work to do after a derailed 2025 season. Signed in mid-February on a one-year deal worth $1. 5 million, he will compete for a bench spot while attempting a positional adjustment that could influence whether he begins 2026 in Queens.
Mj Melendez’s path to this opportunity
Once a top prospect, Melendez rose quickly through the minors after being taken in the second round of the 2017 draft. He reached High-A by 2019, lost the 2020 season due to the pandemic, then posted an eye-catching 2021 minor league line that validated his prospect status. Melendez made his major league debut in 2022; because the club already had its primary catcher in place, he was transitioned to the corner outfield and served as a starter through 2024.
The results from 2022 to 2024 were mixed: his batting lines were modest and defensive metrics made him a below-average starter overall. The 2025 campaign was especially damaging — Melendez appeared in just 23 big league games, slashed. 083/. 154/. 167, was sent to Triple-A, and was non-tendered in the offseason. That sequence cleared the way for his one-year pact with the Mets and the fresh start that comes with it.
Why the Mets signed him and what he must fix
The Mets signed Melendez with options on multiple fronts. He still has a minor-league option, which creates the likelihood that the team will work to rebuild his swing and defensive profile in Triple-A if needed. From a roster-construction standpoint, the club has a bench spot that is wide open and right field is theoretically available, creating a competitive environment in spring camp.
Even at his recent levels, Melendez offers useful versatility: he has experience in both corner outfield spots, has first-base experience, can serve as an emergency catcher, and has shown power in the past with home run totals of 18, 16 and 17 during his three years as a starter. The immediate objective for Melendez is to regain a more consistent offensive profile and show defensive reliability that would justify a major league roster spot.
Surprising position move: center field and roster implications
One notable development is Melendez’s work at center field. He had never played center in major league action through his time with his previous club, where he appeared in left field 218 times and right field 97 times. Winter ball experience at center has been part of his offseason, and his ability to handle that position serviceably could materially improve his chances to make the Mets’ opening roster.
Proving he can cover center would expand his immediate value to the big-league club. With competition for a bench role and a right field opportunity available in camp, demonstrating center-field competency — along with improved hitting — would create a clearer path for Melendez to be on the roster when the season opens on March 26.
Outlook: realistic expectations and next steps
The realistic projection for Melendez in 2026 is a staged comeback: the organization can use Triple-A as the controlled environment to refine both his offensive approach and defensive positioning if necessary. If he can revert toward the performance that made him a high prospect and show he can play center at an acceptable level, he becomes a multi-positional bench option who can provide power and emergency catching depth.
Recent developments indicate that Melendez will enter spring camp with a narrow set of clear objectives — improve plate results, show defensive versatility and compete for a bench role. Details may evolve as camp progresses, but the combination of a one-year contract, remaining minor-league option and a possible move into center gives him multiple avenues to get his career back on track in Queens.
