Diamondbacks Release Ivan Melendez Amid Hot Hometown Week
Sometimes, baseball is a cruel sport. But it's a business.
On Thursday afternoon, Ivan Melendez was scheduled to appear for a media scrum in front of his hometown audience, amid a solid week for the Reno Aces. Instead, Melendez was officially released by the Diamondbacks on Thursday in a shocking move, sources told 600 ESPN El Paso.
The Texas Longhorns baseball standout and Coronado high school graduate was a combined 2-for-7 in two games this week, including a home run and five RBIs. Over 45 at bats with the Aces, splitting a first base and designated hitter role, Melendez was batting .222 with two home runs, eight RBIs and a .658 OPS.
Arizona has a crowded room for first baseman and designated hitter. The Diamondbacks started Melendez on the development list in early 2026 before he rejoined the Aces on April 8 and has been playing regularly since.
The "Hispanic Titanic" became the 43rd overall pick in the second round of the 2022 MLB draft out of Texas. Before being drafted, Melendez hit .387 with 96 hits, 94 RBIs and 32 home runs, breaking Kyle Russell's school record and Kris Bryant's national home run record. He was Big 12 Player of the Year and won the 2022 Golden Spikes Award.
Melendez has been with the Arizona system since he was drafted. He split his first pro season between the rookie-level Arizona Complex League and Single-A Visalia. Last year, he started with the Amarillo Sod Poodles, where he hit .258/.348/.480 with 16 homers. He was promoted to Triple-A Reno in early August of 2025.
Melendez could land with a team that could use the services of a power-hitting 26-year-old. He is free to sign with another club.