MJ Melendez, the Royals outfielder, has revamped his swing this offseason, focusing on simplification and consistency to maximize his performance. After struggling with timing and unproductive at-bats, Melendez's adjustments—such as a smaller leg kick and a more balanced stance—aim to enhance his ability to capitalize on his power potential. He believes the changes will allow him to better express his capabilities on the field, which he feels he hasn't done in his first three MLB seasons. The Royals' hitting staff supports his transition, indicating that this is a pivotal period for Melendez as he aims for improvement.

By the Numbers
  • In 2024, Melendez posted a .206 batting average with a .273 on-base percentage and a .400 slugging percentage.
  • During his minor league career in 2021, he hit 41 home runs across Double-A and Triple-A.
Yes, But

While Melendez's swing changes show promise, early spring training results should be viewed cautiously. There’s a risk that the adjustments may not fully translate to regular-season success until he gains more experience facing Major League pitching.

State of Play
  • Melendez's recent training in Miami focuses on creating more repeatable swing mechanics.
  • The Royals are encouraged by Melendez's initial progress in refining his swing during early spring training.
What's Next

As spring training unfolds, Melendez will need to continuously adapt and solidify the changes in his swing. The upcoming regular season will be crucial in determining if these adjustments yield the expected improvements in his performance.

Bottom Line

Melendez's revamped swing could be a game-changer for both him and the Royals, but he must prove its consistency in real games. His ability to unlock his potential may significantly impact the team's offensive performance this season.