M.J.
Melendez

04/18/17- FIU recruit.In his first at-bat, Melendez would show his present pull side power with a homerun over the right field wall. He has consistently shown the ability to pull the baseball with power and consistently hit the ball in the air hard. He has a strong lower half and a short quick swing with more power potential in it. He would also show the ability to go the other way, driving the ball off of the left-center field wall for a double and would finish 2-3 on the day. Melendez would also show what makes him one of the top catching prospects in the country, his defensive ability, and potential. He is noticeably in control of the game, with it appearing to be very slow for him. He showed off his arm strength, catching a runner stealing with a 1.87 pop time. He is one of very few catchers whose pop time is better from his knees as he has plus arm strength and the catch to release is a bit cleaner. He also showed off his athleticism with an impressive play on a bunt where he slid, picked up the ball and threw to first seemingly all in one motion. He showed off all of his tools and athleticism while also showing that even though he has a lot of present ability that the best is yet to come.

2/24/17- Melendez drove a home run to right field showing the pull side power that has continued to improve. He continues to show advanced actions behind the plate. Still has some length in the catch to release, but the transfer is extremely quick and has a very strong arm. Has a chance to be a day one pick come June.

10/23/16- Florida International recruit. He has advanced defensive tools, including a plus arm. His hands work and are consistently in better and better positions. He still needs to improve on the blocking skills, but shows enough athleticism to do so. He also showed his continued improvement offensively. Staying short and direct to the ball more consistently as well as showing power again with an opposite field home run. As he uses his athleticism and continues to improve, so should his draft stock.

09/01/16 - Made USA 18U National Team.

06/28/16- Moved from Alabama to Florida when his dad (Mervyl Melendez) took the job at Florida International University. M.J. is now committed to FIU.

05/28/16- 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame. Melendez is one of the most impressive defensive catchers in the country. Showed flexibility behind the plate, advanced receiving skills and a very strong arm with a quick, clean transfer. Flashed a 1.89 pop time in game action. Left-handed hitter, very quick hands with some present power and a balanced approach.