{{player.market}} {{player.name}}

2024 Player Outlook

2023 Recap: After struggling defensively behind the plate in his 2022 rookie season the Royals opted to play MJ Melendez primarily in the outfield corners last season. Power potential is in high demand in the majors and Melendez, who bashed 41 homers, more than any other minor leaguer, in awesome 2021 season in which he also slashed .288/.386/.625 and drove in 103 runs was the talk of the town. As a major leaguer he has now hit 18 home runs, 21 doubles, and 62 RBIs in 2022 and 16 home runs and 56 RBIs in 2023 and has Royals fans clamoring for more. 

2024 Outlook: The potential for 20-25 home runs is there and that is what Melendez will need to continue to be an everyday big-league hitter. His two-season .227 average and .314 OBP is not great, but he did slash.273/.352/.485 in 2023's second half, which was a big improvement from a first half slash of .206/.289/.333. With mediocre defensive skills in the outfield this is a key season in the growth of MJ Melendez which makes him a risky fantasy draft pick.