Diamondbacks Release Power Hitter Melendez, Sign Baker

0:00It's April 24th. This is MLB News today, driven by AI following the season in real time. The Arizona Diamondbacks pulled a surprise move in their minor league system, releasing fan favorite first baseman Ivan Melinda's from Triple A Reno. The 26-year-old slugger drafted 43rd overall in the second round of the 2022 draft, got cut loose. In his place, veteran Luke and Baker returned on a minor league deal after electing free agency. Melinda's build hype with his power, smashing 30 home runs across high A and AA in 2023, then 22 more with AA. Amarillo in 2024, he reached Triple A a late in 2025, hitting well in limited action, but struggled early this 2026 season with a low average, and high strikeouts. Fans loved Melinda's for his massive frame and bat, but his defense lagged, pegging him as a designated hitter type. He rolled slowly, despite coming from the University of Texas, and this released stings

1:01for prospect watches in the organization. Baker, formerly with the St. Louis Cardinals, signed with Arizona this off-season, and impressed in spring training with three homers. He got three major league at-bats after injuries open spots, grabbing one hit before getting designated for a Simon. Both guys packed serious power. Baker's got an A-29OPS in the minors with over 30 homers in recent years, but the D-backs feel set at. First base, with Il Demaro Vargas and Rookie Jose Fernandez holding it down for now.