The next wave was going to be coming for the Kansas City Royals. While Bobby Witt Jr. made the Opening Day roster, and the Royals’ young arms are starting to establish themselves in the majors, reinforcements are coming to the lineup. It is just a matter of time until the likes of MJ Melendez and Nick Pratto join him in Kansas City.
That time has come for one of those young bats. The Royals are set to promote Melendez to the majors to serve as their backup catcher due to an injury to Cam Gallagher on Sunday.
MJ Melendez getting his opportunity with Kansas City Royals
Melendez had been an intriguing prospect prior to a disappointing 2019 campaign. His stellar arm behind the plate and power potential made him one of the top catching prospects in the game. However, he struggled mightily at High-A, leaving his future in question.
He more than established his credentials last season. Melendez posted an impressive .288/.386/.625 batting line in his 531 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting 41 homes and 22 doubles. His approach had drastically improved, as he drew 75 walks with just 115 strikeouts as well. That showing made Melendez a consensus top 100 prospect heading into the 2022 campaign despite questions about his future position.
Those questions are going to remain. Salvador Perez is entrenched as the Royals’ primary option behind the plate even if he had been seeing more time as their designated hitter this year. With that in mind, Melendez had been seeing time in right and at third with the idea that he could either shift to one of those positions full-time or become an intriguing utility option that would get plenty of playing time.
But those questions could start to be answered shortly. With Adalberto Mondesi being injured, there is an opening at short with Witt the most logical option. This leaves time at third open, and Whit Merrifield has disappointed with the bat. Melendez could get plenty of playing time.
The future is continuing to be now for the Kansas City Royals. MJ Melendez is the latest part of the next wave to reach the majors.