Melendez, a homegrown product and former Top 100 prospect, never fully put it together with the Royals despite showing promise at times and possessing immense power. The club elected to make him a free agent rather than bring him back for 2026 at a salary determined via the arbitration process.
India had also been considered a candidate to be non-tendered following a first season in Kansas City in which he posted a .233/.323/.346 line. He was acquired last November in a trade that sent Brady Singer to the Reds. Instead the club elected to keep him. A source told MLB.com the deal is worth $8 million; he made just over $7 million in 2025.