MJ Melendez, whom the New York Mets signed to a one-year deal a few weeks ago, is taking full advantage of his playing time in spring training so far. In four games, he is hitting .364 with two home runs and five RBI. Originally, Melendez was just signed as depth for the roster. However, if he keeps playing at this rate, Melendez may find himself as the Opening Day right fielder.
Of course, this is considering Carson Benge is not ready. There is still plenty of time before it is determined if this is a fluke from Melendez or not. The more he hits, though, he might just have a strong case for that spot in the Mets‘ Opening Day lineup.
MJ Melendez May Be The Mets’ Opening Day Right-Fielder
A Horrible Season in Kansas City
MJ Melendez did not have a good 2025 season with the Kansas City Royals. In 23 games played, Melendez hit for an abysmal .083 average, along with a .154 OBP and .167 SLG. He would eventually get sent down to the minors for the remainder of the year. He was eventually non-tendered by the Royals and ultimately became a free agent. In his tenure with Kansas City, he was never known for his hitting. Still, he did hit 15 or more homers in three out of his four seasons there. Melendez has always been a solid defender and has played multiple positions in his career. Originally starting out as a catcher, he would end up being used as an outfielder, playing some of right, left, and center field, as well as minimal experience at first base.
Melendez Will Be Fighting For That Right Field Spot
This is not Melendez’s race to win, however, as there are a few other options for the right field job. A few other guys fighting for that Opening Day spot are top prospect Benge and veteran Mike Tauchman. Benge, in spring training so far, is hitting .400 in four games played. Tauchman has only played in two games, so it is too early to tell for him. The Mets would like to see more out of him, of course, before making a call. This race for the right field spot will be exciting and most certainly come down to the last week of spring training at this rate.
MJ Melendez mashes his second opposite field home run of the day! 💥 pic.twitter.com/bOnTr2KvYN
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 27, 2026
Will Melendez Continue His Hot Streak?
Can Melendez keep this going well enough towards the end of spring training to make the roster? Only time will tell if he can keep this up. So far, though, he is definitely putting the team on notice and showing that he belongs as of now. Now would be his best chance to have a bounce-back year, considering how 2025 went for him. This right field job is not going to be easy to get for Melendez, but if he keeps impressing, he certainly has a good chance to make it his.
Main Photo Credit: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
