Recently being revealed as part of Minnesota's Arizona Fall League (AFL) roster, Mendez appears to be on the verge of making it to "The Show," potentially as part of the club's 2026 Opening Day roster. Being Rule 5 Draft-eligible this upcoming December, Mendez is a near-lock to earn a 40-man roster spot. Still, possessing a 40-man roster spot alone won't be enough to make the Opening Day roster. Like top prospects Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Gabriel Gonzalez, Mendez making the club's 2026 Opening Day roster appears far-fetched at the moment. Mendez is much more likely to possess a 40-man roster spot over Sabato and Fedko, further solidifying his chances of earning an Opening Day roster spot over them.