The 2022 Kansas City Royals were not a contender by any means, but were a step forward for the team’s future. Electrifying short-stop Bobby Witt Jr. had himself a 20-30 campaign, pitcher Brady Singer took a step forward, and slugger Vinnie Pasquantino proved to be a legit power threat for years to come. But, a name that flew under the radar was left-handed hitting catcher, M.J. Melendez. Melendez was a second round pick back in 2017, and has done nothing but rake through the minors ever since. Melendez became a well renowned power threat after his 2021 campaign leading the MiLB in home runs with 41. Melendez earned his chance to make his MLB debut on 5/3/22.

Melendez comes into the MLB in an overall weak period for the catcher position. The only true stars at the position are Adley Rutschman, J.T. Realmuto, Will Smith, and Sean Murphy. MJ Melendez has a lot to go till he can join the star conversation among catchers, but it’s not crazy to say he’s already a borderline top 10-15 catcher. MJ Melendez has all the tools to be a great hitter at the MLB level, and he showed that through 129 games last year. Melendez hit 18 homers with a 99 OPS+ which is a point below league average, but because it’s his first year, it would be safe to assume that those numbers will jump. Although Melendez’s numbers do not necessarily bounce off the page through his first taste of the MLB, his baseball savant percentile rankings give us a great look at where Melendez succeeds physically. Melendez ranks in the 81st percentile in average exit velocity, 69th percentile in hard hit percentage, 72nd percentile in barrel percentage, and the 92nd percentile in walk percentage. These numbers are all really promising coming off of a solid rookie campaign, and I only expect these numbers to get stronger. These percentiles also give us a lot of hope that some of his counting stats,such as walks and home runs, will increase next year. Melendez’s average exit velocity, hard hit percentage, and barrel percentage percentiles are all better than Adley Rutschman’s respective percentiles. The only one of the four percentiles listed Rutschman beats Melendez in is walk percentage. 

The only place Melendez shows some concern is in his defensive ability behind the plate. Melendez has a 50th percentile pop time to second base and ranks in the 1st percentile in framing. Both of these numbers are concerning, especially the framing percentile. Melendez ranks in the 95th percentile in arm strength though, which could mean that a full time outfield move could eventually happen. However, Melendez has experience in the outfield as well, and he has shown in the Minor Leagues that if needed, a MLB team can easily plug him into the outfield, similar to how Daulton Varsho is used.

Melendez has a long way to go before he becomes an elite, top of the line catcher, but I don’t think it will be long. Be on the lookout for Melendez to be an impact player as his numbers increase with experience in the MLB. There isn’t a shadow of a doubt to me that Melendez will become a key piece of the Royals 2023 campaign, as well as their bright future.