Melendez, like Matias and Pratto a year ago in High-A, struggled at the plate in a similar manner. Melendez’s stock did not plummet as much as the other two throughout the offseason.
Despite his “warts” as a prospect, Melendez remains a Top-10 prospect in the Royals’ eyes, whilst Matias and Pratto are not. Melendez, unlike the other two, was invited to the Major League camp in Surprise.
Even though Melendez struggled at the plate (.143/.188/.429 with a.616 OPS in 16 plate appearances), it was wonderful that he got some much-needed Big League experience and exposure, especially with a new manager in Kansas City who got his start as a pitcher.
In 2019, Melendez was simply not good at the plate for the Blue Rocks. The Florida prep talent hit .163/.260/.311 with a .571 OPS and a 39.4 percent strikeout rate in 110 games and 419 plate appearances.
Despite walking over 10% of the time, he still had a 0.27 BB/K ratio, which is the second season in a straight that his ratio has declined (it fell from 0.43 in Arizona Rookie ball in 2017 to 0.30 in Single-A Lexington in 2018).
Finally, he only hit nine home runs last season, down from ten the year before. Melendez’s power stroke was considered one of his best tools by scouts, but his lack of home run performance in Wilmington was disappointing.
How Much Does MJ Melendez Make?
MJ Melendez makes an annual base salary of $700,000.