Mel Rojas Jr may finally get his long-awaited shot with an MLB team

After four years in the KBO, Mel Rojas Jr has earned an opportunity to crack an MLB lineup.

Originally selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third-round of the 2010 MLB draft, Mel Rojas Jr has yet to reach the major leagues, but that dream may finally come true in 2021.

After a successful four-year stint with the KT Whiz in the KBO, including a 2020 season that saw him slash .349/.417/.680 with a league-leading 47 home runs and 135 RBI (39 doubles, as well), multiple MLB teams are reportedly interested in signing the former Pirates prospect ahead of the 2021 season.

Rojas worked his way through the Pirates minor league system fairly quickly, reaching Triple-A by the end of the 2014 season, but logging just 26 home runs through his first four minor league seasons.

Instead, Rojas racked up the doubles and triples (72 doubles, 33 triples) and was a threat on the basepaths with 71 stolen bases over that same time span. Now 30, Rojas has flipped his production numbers, becoming a power hitter with limited-to-no value on the basepaths, but after four years of development against the best competition the KBO has to offer, Rojas has proven himself ready for a chance at an MLB contract.

If Mel Rojas Jr does secure an opportunity back in the United States, it may take a while for his market to play out.

A corner-outfielder/DH with pop and high strikeout numbers is a common commodity across the league, with many of these types of hitters likely becoming available in the next few days after the 2020 non-tender deadline passes (Renato Nunez now becoming a free agent, for example).

There’s also the fact that National League teams do not yet have a definite answer as to whether or not the DH will be in place next season. While evaluators believe Rojas has the arm and ability to play in right field, Rojas becomes a bit more valuable by also having the ability to fill in a DH role with the ability to change a game with one swing of the bat.

On the plus side, MLB teams will be eager over the next few weeks to fill roster holes with cheap options due to the financial fallout of the ongoing pandemic.

Three teams have already reportedly expressed interest in Mel Rojas Jr, but no specific teams have been mentioned yet. As for who those teams may be, the Cleveland Indians jump out as a very likely suitor with multiple needs in their outfield and a strong push to slash payroll.

The Milwaukee Brewers could be another good fit, especially if the DH remains in the NL. The Brewers need an injection of offense and while Rojas won’t put up his KBO numbers here in the States, projections do believe he can be a league-average contributor.

Rebuilding clubs like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers could also be in the mix for his bat. We also can’t count out the New York Mets and the familial ties that would come into play.

The market may take a while to play out, but Mel Rojas Jr has earned an opportunity to showcase his talents with an MLB team.