Melvin Novoa

Melvin Daniel Novoa Arana

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 224 lb.

• Born June 17, 1996 in Nandaime, Granada Nicaragua

BR register page

Biographical Information

Melvin Novoa has played in the minors and for the Nicaraguan national team.

He was signed by Texas Rangers scout Gil Kim in 2013. He made his pro debut with the 2014 DSL Rangers 2 (.269/.349/.446 in 21 G) and then moved to the DSL Rangers 1 (.132/.267/.132 in 13 G). He threw out 58% of those who tried to steal. In the postseason, he was 7 for 12 with 3 doubles and a homer as the Rangers 1 won the title. In '15, he hit .278/.336/.398 for the AZL Rangers.

Novoa made the Nicaraguan squad for the 2016 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers. He debuted as a pinch-runner for Janior Montes in the 9th against Germany and took over the catching. The next game, he pinch-hit for Montes in the 7th and drew a walk from Mexico's Carlos Fisher. He started against the Czech Republic but went 0 for 4 with a run before Montes came in. He then sat out the finale against Mexico.

He was suspended for all of 2016 due to a positive test for Clostebol, a steroid. He returned in 2017 with the Spokane Indians, hitting .281/.338/.467 and throwing out 34% on the bases. He split 2018 between the Down East Wood Ducks (.184/.214/.265 in 64 G) and Hickory Crawdads (.322/.378/.478 in 24 G). He then was with Nicaragua for the 2019 Pan American Games Qualifier.