When MJ Melendez arrived at Spring Training in 2025, he brought with him a sense of determination and the hope of turning the tide on a challenging previous season. After a lackluster 2024, which saw him struggling at the plate with a .206 batting average and a .273 on-base percentage, the Kansas City Royals had high expectations for his return to form. They were banking on a productive offseason that would see him reestablish himself as a vital piece of their future.
Melendez dedicated his winter to honing his swing mechanics, simplifying his plate approach in a bid to unlock the promise he had previously demonstrated. But his focus wasn’t limited to the batter’s box. Transitioning away from his catching days, he invested time in refining his defensive skills in the outfield, striving to enhance his reliability in the corner positions—a significant step for a player aiming to solidify a consistent role on the roster.
However, the start of the 2025 season was anything but smooth for Melendez. In his first 16 games with the big club, he managed just four hits in 47 at-bats, leading to a disappointing slash line of .085/.173/.170 and only one home run. Perhaps the most concerning aspect was his strikeout rate, which soared to a staggering 38.5 percent. Faced with the reality of Melendez’s struggles, the Royals made the tough decision to option him to Triple-A Omaha in mid-April, hoping to allow him some breathing room to recalibrate his game.
Royals General Manager J.J. Picollo emphasized the move as a reset rather than a setback, expressing optimism about Melendez’s potential future. “It’s certainly not the end of his career,” Picollo commented. “We would like to think it’s the start of a new beginning. Take advantage of the opportunity to play in Triple-A. Play well and get back here.”
Since that demotion, it seems Melendez has taken Picollo’s words to heart. Starting from May 16th, the 25-year-old began to find his rhythm in Omaha. Leading up to a recent doubleheader against Iowa, he had hit safely in 13 of his last 15 games, nudging his Triple-A batting average from .160 to .225 during that span. As of June 3, Melendez was sporting a line of .225/.264/.442, with seven home runs and 19 RBIs over 34 games with the Storm Chasers. It’s clear there’s still work to be done, but the progress is promising—precisely what the Royals were hoping to see as he fights to regain his footing.
Before his reassignment, Melendez’s performance at the major league level had sparked concerns about his bat. Now, however, there are unmistakable signs of revival. The Royals will undoubtedly be keen for more prolonged success before considering him for a return, yet Melendez is demonstrating that he’s more than ready to answer the call—and potentially turn the corner in his career.
For Kansas City, the upcoming weeks hold significant implications. If Melendez can maintain this upward trajectory in Omaha, he may just force his way back to the big leagues. The raw talent has always been evident; what remains to be seen is whether he can forge the consistency and confidence necessary to seize another opportunity in the Show.
