MJ Melendez has quickly become a notable name in Major League Baseball (MLB), showcasing his talents as a versatile left fielder and catcher for the Kansas City Royals.
Since making his MLB debut in 2022, Melendez has displayed a mix of power hitting and defensive skills that have earned him recognition among baseball fans and analysts alike. His career continues to evolve, with significant achievements on and off the field, including a growing net worth fueled by his contracts and endorsements.
This article explores MJ Melendez’s journey, personal life, professional career, financial details, and MLB statistics.
MJ Melendez’s Biography
| Full Name | Mervyl Samuel Melendez Jr. |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 29, 1998 |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Education | Westminster Christian School |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2017 (Drafted by Kansas City Royals) |
| Net Worth | $3.4 million |
| Salary | $2.65 million |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
MJ Melendez’s baseball journey began during his high school years. He attended St. James School in Montgomery, Alabama, before transferring to Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay, Florida, for his senior year. During this time, he showcased exceptional talent as both a hitter and catcher. His performance earned him a spot on the United States national team in 2016.
Melendez initially committed to playing college baseball at Florida International University but was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft as the 52nd overall pick. The Royals signed him for a lucrative $2.1 million signing bonus, marking the beginning of his professional career.
He made his professional debut with the Rookie-level Arizona League Royals in 2017. Over 47 games, he posted a .262 batting average with four home runs and 30 RBIs. In 2018, he played for the Lexington Legends in Single-A ball and impressed with a .251 batting average, 19 home runs, and 73 RBIs across 111 games. His consistent performance earned him All-Star honors that season.
However, Melendez faced challenges in 2019 while playing for the Wilmington Blue Rocks in High-A ball. His batting average dipped to .163 over 110 games despite hitting nine home runs. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled the minor league season in 2020, but Melendez used the downtime to refine his skills.
In 2021, he returned stronger than ever with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in Double-A ball. He was named Player of the Month for July after hitting .333 with 12 home runs in that month alone. Later that year, he was promoted to Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers and finished the season with an impressive total of 41 home runs across all levels—leading all minor leaguers and earning the prestigious Joe Bauman Home Run Award.
Professional Career
MJ Melendez began his professional MLB career with the Kansas City Royals, making his debut on May 3, 2022. Known for his versatility, Melendez has played as both a catcher and an outfielder, showcasing his adaptability and value to the team.
In his rookie season, he quickly made an impression by hitting his first MLB home run on May 17, 2022, against the Chicago White Sox. Later that year, he achieved a significant milestone by recording his first multi-homer game against the Houston Astros in July.
Throughout his initial seasons (2022–2024), Melendez established himself as a power hitter with notable defensive skills. Despite some inconsistencies at the plate, he maintained a reputation for delivering in clutch situations.
Over these seasons, he accumulated a total of 51 home runs and 162 RBIs by early 2025. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively has made him an integral part of the Royals’ lineup.
Melendez’s versatility was further highlighted when he transitioned into playing left field in addition to catching duties. This move not only showcased his athleticism but also provided the Royals with more lineup flexibility. His performance earned him recognition within MLB circles and solidified his position as a key player for the team.
MJ Melendez’s Net Worth Details
MJ Melendez’s net worth is estimated to be $2.65 million as of 2025.
Contract
MJ Melendez is currently playing under a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals for the 2025 season, valued at $2.65 million. This agreement was reached in January 2025, allowing the Royals and Melendez to avoid arbitration. The deal guarantees the full amount, with an average annual salary of $2.65 million.
As this is his first year of arbitration eligibility, Melendez remains under team control through the 2028 season, after which he will become a free agent in 2029. This contract reflects his growing value to the Royals as a versatile player, despite some performance challenges in previous seasons.
Salary
MJ Melendez’s salary for the 2025 season is $2.65 million, reflecting his status as a player in his first year of arbitration eligibility. This one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals guarantees the full amount, avoiding arbitration proceedings. The deal positions Melendez among the Royals’ key contributors while providing financial stability as he continues to develop his career.
His salary marks a significant increase from his pre-arbitration earnings in previous seasons, such as $754,750 in 2024 and $726,500 in 2023, underscoring his growing value to the team. With arbitration eligibility extending through 2028, Melendez is set to remain under team control until becoming a free agent in 2029.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Kansas City Royals | – | $2,097,500 | $2,097,500 |
| 2022 | Kansas City Royals | $603,822 | – | $603,822 |
| 2023 | Kansas City Royals | $726,500 | – | $726,500 |
| 2024 | Kansas City Royals | $754,750 | – | $754,750 |
| 2025 | Kansas City Royals | $2,650,000 | – | $2,650,000 |
| Total | $4,735,072 | $2,097,500 | $6,832,572 |
MLB Career Stats
| Season | Games Played (GP) | At-Bats (AB) | Runs (R) | Hits (H) | Home Runs (HR) | RBIs | Batting Average (AVG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 129 | 460 | 57 | 100 | 18 | 62 | .217 |
| 2023 | 148 | 533 | 65 | 125 | 16 | 56 | .235 |
| 2024 | 135 | 412 | 44 | 85 | 17 | 44 | .206 |
| Total | 412 | 1,405 | 166 | 310 | 51 | 162 | .219 |
FAQs
1. Who is MJ Melendez?
MJ Melendez, full name Mervyl Samuel Melendez Jr., is a professional baseball player for the Kansas City Royals in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on November 29, 1998, in Daytona Beach, Florida, he plays as a left fielder and catcher. He made his MLB debut on May 3, 2022.
2. What are MJ Melendez’s career highlights?
Melendez led the minor leagues with 41 home runs in 2021, earning the Joe Bauman Home Run Award as the first catcher to achieve this. He also set a Royals’ rookie record in 2022 with four leadoff home runs. Additionally, he represented Puerto Rico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
3. How has MJ Melendez performed offensively in MLB?
Melendez has a career batting average of .219 with 51 home runs and 162 RBIs over four seasons. Despite showcasing power potential, he has struggled with strikeouts and consistency at the plate.
4. What changes did MJ Melendez make to his swing for the 2025 season?
In the offseason before 2025, Melendez revamped his swing by reducing his leg kick and simplifying his movements to improve timing and balance. This adjustment aims to address his inconsistency and enhance his performance at the plate.
5. What is MJ Melendez’s defensive versatility?
Initially a catcher, Melendez transitioned to playing outfield and occasionally third base due to limited opportunities behind the plate with Salvador Perez as the Royals’ primary catcher. His defensive adaptability allows him to contribute in multiple positions.
6. What challenges has MJ Melendez faced in his MLB career?
Melendez has struggled with high strikeout rates (26.2% career average) and inconsistent contact. His defensive performance in the outfield has also been questioned, contributing to a career -1.0 fWAR as of early 2025.
7. What is MJ Melendez’s contract status with the Kansas City Royals?
For the 2025 season, Melendez avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $2.65 million with the Royals. His future role on the team may depend on his performance this year.
8. How did MJ Melendez perform in the postseason?
Melendez hit his first postseason home run during Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) against Gerrit Cole of the Yankees in 2024. He posted a .545 slugging percentage during his initial playoff experience.
9. What was MJ Melendez’s amateur baseball background?
Melendez attended St. James School in Alabama before transferring to Westminster Christian School in Florida for his senior year. He committed to Florida International University but was drafted by the Royals in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft.
10. How is MJ Melendez viewed within the Royals organization?
The Royals consider Melendez a player with significant potential due to his power-hitting ability and versatility. However, they expect him to improve consistency at bat and defensively as they evaluate his long-term role on the team during this pivotal phase of his career.
