Melendez builds on family’s catching tradition

Jayden Melendez doesn’t play the same position as Jose Altuve or Mookie Betts.

But Melendez would love to reach the major leagues the same way two of his “undersized” baseball idols both did.

“Their height has always been used against them,” Melendez said. “I do use it as fuel, but I think it’s cool because it gives me the chance to make my own statement on the field and prove myself.”

One member of the Melendez family is already playing pro baseball.

Jayden’s older brother, MJ, is a top 15 prospect in the Kansas City Royals farm system and expected to play at the Double-A level when the season begins in May.

MJ stands 6-1.

Jayden’s height is the biggest knock from scouts who have evaluated the 5-9 senior catcher at Westminster Christian.

But Melendez’s defensive tools behind the plate and his bat have him on a path to be drafted this July just like his brother was in 2017 after a stellar prep career with the Warriors.

“He’s a fierce competitor,” Westminster Christian coach Emil Castellanos said. “I look at the Melendez family and it’s instilled in them to be great. There are so many similarities to his brother. It’s awesome to see the legacy continue. I think he’s going to leave a name for himself when he’s done here.”

MJ was drafted 52nd overall by the Royals.

Jayden, an FIU signee, isn’t projected to be selected as high.

He is ranked No. 74 overall among high school prospects in the Class of 2021 by Baseball America and could be drafted within the first 10 rounds.

Melendez could choose to go the college route and continue to hone his skills under the tutelage of his father, Mervyl

Melendez, who is in his fifth season as FIU’s coach. Melendez has had 13 players drafted since taking over as coach.

“My dad is the one who really taught me the game and always taught me to be confident,” Melendez said. “You’re going to have great games and bad games, but you have to be confident you’re good. I wouldn’t want to play for anyone else [in college]. I want to go there and help him win and help get that team to Omaha and win the whole thing.”

What Melendez might lack in height, he makes up for with his strong arm and quick reflexes and instincts behind the plate.

Although he’s not a fast runner, he has shown power at the plate, which could benefit from further development at the college level.

Melendez has hit .330 with a .976 OPS, 14 home runs and 73 RBI in 261 career at-bats during his time at Westminster. This season, Melendez is hitting .397 with five home runs and a teamhigh 26 RBI.

“My approach is helping me hit balls the other way more this season and just to relax at the plate,” Melendez said. “Every time I step up, I want to think the pitcher sucks — in the nicest way — but that’s what I’m thinking up there.”

In a recent game against Plantation American Heritage during which he hit a three-run home run more than 400 feet to rightcenter field, Melendez showed off his defensive skills consistently blocking breaking pitches in the dirt and showing quick reflexes on rising fastballs.

“He’s a wall back there,” Castellanos said. “We put a lot on his plate and he’s caught pretty much 98 percent of our games. He grinds and doesn’t complain. He’s gotten a lot better at yoga for flexibility.”

Melendez said he admires the leadership qualities and ability to call pitches of All-Stars Yadier Molina and Buster Posey. Against Heritage, Melendez also showed a solid rapport with the Warriors’ pitchers, helping guide them through a few tough spots.

“As a catcher, you’re the eyes on the field and you have to take initiative and I’ve taken that role this year,” Melendez said.

Melendez keeps in touch frequently with his brother and still picks up insights from him on playing the position and how to handle playing at the next level. MJ helped lead the Warriors to a state championship as a sophomore in 2015.

As Jayden tries to lead the Warriors to a potential recordbreaking 12th state championship this season, he hopes to make his own mark in his family’s tradition.

“MJ built a legacy and he will continue that at the pro level,” Melendez said. “Learning from him about how to excel at this game has been great, but at the end of the day I want to write my own story too.”