Guardians Minor League Catcher Andres Melendez Dies at Age 20

Adam WellsDecember 17, 2021

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Andres Melendez, a minor league catcher for the Cleveland Guardians, died on Thursday at the age of 20.

The team issued a statement about Melendez's death:

Cleveland Guardians @CleGuardians
R.I.P. Andrés Meléndez. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, teammates and those who knew him. <a href="https://t.co/ehyrF7C7df">pic.twitter.com/ehyrF7C7df</a>

No cause of death has been given at this time.

Right-handed pitcher Josh Wolf, who played with Melendez for the Lynchburg Hillcats last season, tweeted out a message in memory of his teammate:

Josh Wolf @JoshWolf30
I never thought I would be saying these words but RIP mi hermano. Anyone who knew or played with Andres saw the joy he brought everyday. He was always bringing positive energy to the field and locker room. He was a fantastic teammate and an even better person. Love you Andres. <a href="https://t.co/bN1YpCtXU5">pic.twitter.com/bN1YpCtXU5</a>

Melendez began his professional baseball career in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He signed with the team as an international free agent in July 2017. The Venezuelan played 80 games with Milwaukee's rookie ball affiliates from 2018-19.

Cleveland acquired Melendez on Nov. 20, 2019 for second baseman Mark Mathias.

In 73 games with Cleveland's Low-A East affiliate last season, Melendez posted a .247/.367/.431 slash line with eight homers and 46 RBI.

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