Joseph Montalvo
P | Bats/Throws: S/R | 6' 2" 185LBS | Age: 22
Draft: 2021 | Rd: 20, #584, Texas Rangers | Central Pointe Christian Academy
MLB Pipeline Rank
W L ERA G GS SV IP SO WHIP
2024 5 3 3.00 18 18 0 78 88 1.17
Career Minors 16 5 2.84 50 36 0 196.2 231 1.16
G W-L ERA IP SO WHIP
2024 18 5-3 3.00 78 88 1.17
Career Minors 50 16-5 2.84 196.2 231 1.16

Standard Minor League Pitching Statistics

SeasonTmLGLWLERAGGSSVIPHRERHRBBSOWHIP
2022 ACL Rangers ACL ROK 4 0 2.31 10 1 0 23.1 22 6 6 1 3 36 1.07
2023 Down East Wood Ducks CAR A 7 2 2.83 22 17 0 95.1 74 34 30 9 39 107 1.19
2024 2 Teams Minors 5 3 3.00 18 18 0 78.0 65 31 26 9 26 88 1.17
2024 Hickory Crawdads SAL A+ 4 2 2.44 13 13 0 59.0 48 21 16 8 19 73 1.14
2024 West Michigan Whitecaps MID A+ 1 1 4.74 5 5 0 19.0 17 10 10 1 7 15 1.26
2024 2 Teams A+ 5 3 3.00 18 18 0 78.0 65 31 26 9 26 88 1.17

Scouting Report

2024

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 40

Born in Puerto Rico, Montalvo attended high school in Florida and became the Rangers' final pick (20th round) in the 2021 Draft. A former shortstop who stood out more for his athleticism than his pure stuff as an amateur, he has thrived as a full-time pitcher in pro ball. He transitioned from relieving in his 2022 pro debut to starting last year and logged a 2.83 ERA, .211 average-against and 107 strikeouts in 95 1/3 innings in Single-A. He was enjoying another solid season at High-A Hickory when the Rangers moved him to the Tigers in a Trade Deadline deal for Andrew Chafin.

Montalvo's four-seam fastball sits in the low 90s and tops out at 95 mph, playing better than its velocity because of its carry and arm-side run and the extension in his delivery, and he's also developing a sinking two-seamer. His best swing-and-miss pitch is a low-80s slider with good depth. He also has nice feel for a fading mid-80s changeup that shows flashes of becoming a solid offering.

An athletic mover who gets down the mound well, Montalvo combines quality extension with a low release height and flat approach angle, presenting an unusual look for hitters. He improved his control in the second half of last season, throwing more and better strikes. He profiles as a back-of-the-rotation starter and perhaps more if his stuff gets better as he adds more strength.



Awards




Transactions

Team Date Transaction
07/31/2024 West Michigan Whitecaps activated RHP Joseph Montalvo.
07/30/2024 Detroit Tigers traded LHP Andrew Chafin to Texas Rangers for RHP Joseph Montalvo and RHP Chase Lee.
07/30/2024 RHP Joseph Montalvo assigned to West Michigan Whitecaps.
07/28/2024 Hickory Crawdads activated RHP Joseph Montalvo from the 7-day injured list.
07/01/2024 Hickory Crawdads placed RHP Joseph Montalvo on the 7-day injured list retroactive to June 30, 2024.
04/01/2024 RHP Joseph Montalvo assigned to Hickory Crawdads from Down East Wood Ducks.
11/03/2023 RHP Joseph Montalvo assigned to RA12.
11/03/2023 RA12 placed RHP Joseph Montalvo on the reserve list.
09/29/2023 Down East Wood Ducks activated RHP Joseph Montalvo from the 7-day injured list.
09/29/2023 Down East Wood Ducks activated RHP Joseph Montalvo from the 7-day injured list.
09/19/2023 Down East Wood Ducks placed RHP Joseph Montalvo on the 7-day injured list.
04/06/2023 RHP Joseph Montalvo and assigned to Down East Wood Ducks from ACL Rangers.
06/06/2022 RHP Joseph Montalvo assigned to ACL Rangers.
04/03/2022 RHP Joseph Montalvo and assigned to Texas Rangers.
07/30/2021 Texas Rangers signed RHP Joseph Montalvo.