MIAMI — At this time six years ago, MJ Melendez was a senior catcher at Westminster Christian in the Miami area, working his way toward being a top pick in the MLB draft and starting his career as a professional baseball player.
Also at this time six years ago, Puerto Rico made a furious run to the championship game of the 2017 World Baseball Classic only to lose to the United States in the championship game — its second consecutive runner-up finish in the international tournament.
Fast forward to present day, and the 24-year-old Melendez made his MLB debut, is establishing himself as a full-time player and is on a star-studded Puerto Rico roster that is trying to break through for a title in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
