Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 65 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 40 | Overall: 55

Heralded with as much hype as any power hitter in the 2021-22 international class, Montes joined the Mariners for $2.5 million as MLB Pipeline's No. 8 prospect among that group. He experienced some initial lumps during his first year in the Dominican Summer League, with a 33.2 percent strikeout rate and high overall whiff rates, but through a deliberate shift in approach, he managed to cut those numbers significantly upon arriving stateside. The clearest hole in his swing is firm stuff at the top of the zone.

With more focus on pitch selection and patience, knowing that he can scare pitchers out of the zone more, Montes cut down the Ks to a 25 percent clip and was an integral part of helping Low-A Modesto win the California League title, thriving in key moments during that playoff run. Nothing stood out more than his raw power, which has legitimate 80-grade potential based on multiple exit velocity readings beyond 110 mph, thanks mostly to swinging at the right pitches. The obvious comparison -- one that he's publicly made himself -- is to fellow Cuba native Yordan Alvarez. Both trained with famed hitting instructor Aldo Marrero as amateurs. 

Montes' glove won't be his calling card, particularly with below-average range. He'll have to prove everybody wrong to stick in the outfield, as his body and hitting profile project designated hitter by the time he reaches the Majors. Multiple scouts have rightfully pointed out how hard it is to overstate how big he is.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 60 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45

Montes joined the Mariners during the 2021-22 international signing period for $2.5 million with as much hype as any power hitter in that year's class, ranked No. 8 by MLB Pipeline among that group. It translated to 10 homers and a whopping .585 slugging percentage in 55 games during last year's Dominican Summer League. 

However, a 33.2% strikeout rate also jumped off the page, as did the high overall whiff rates, so despite that big-time power, he needs to shorten up, especially as he faces better pitching. Montes still had a .422 on-base percentage and walked at a 15.7 percent clip, suggesting that his issues aren't as much rooted in plate discipline, but more on pitch selection -- because when he does make contact, the exit velocities are pushing past 110 mph. The biggest comparison -- and it's a lofty one -- is to fellow Cuba native Yordan Alvarez.

Defensively, Montes was better than what the Mariners expected in the corner outfield, an encouraging sign that he'll have far more value there than if he moves to first base. An area of improvement would be in route running and overall range given that he projects as an average runner. But if Montes sees improved contact and cuts the K's without sacrificing power this summer in the Arizona Complex League, that'll represent a huge step in his trajectory. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 60 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

Acquired with much hype as part of the 2021 international signing period in January 2022, Montes inked for $2.5 million, nearly half of Seattle's bonus pool. The Cuba native was listed No. 8 among MLB Pipeline's Top 50 International Prospects rankings for that class, and at 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, he towers over the competition for a 17-year-old.

Though Montes is still years away from contributing in the Majors, the Mariners are incredibly bullish on his potential as an everyday, middle-of-the-order run producer; he draws lofty comparisons to Yordan Alvarez. Montes has more athleticism and will begin his pro career playing center field. It's likely that he moves to a corner as he continues to grow into his body, but he has the tools to stay put. For now, he projects as an average defender with an average arm. Like most prospects his age, Montes is still working on his outfield routes and improving his overall range. He also projects as an average runner.

With such a high monetary commitment to a corner bat -- not exactly the Mariners' typical strategy -- Seattle is willing to be patient in allowing Montes' impactful raw power and above-average athleticism to develop. He'll get his professional career officially underway this summer.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 60 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55

Montes has power and tons of athleticism. It's this combination, along with large frame and projectable body, that make him one of the most interesting prospects on the market.

The teen is the perfect example of a prospect that developed quickly and transformed from a one-tool player -- in his case, it was power -- to an all-around talent because of his emerging athleticism. Montes will start in center field and yes, he could eventually move to a corner spot because of his body, but he has all of the tools to stay in the middle of the diamond.

For now, he projects to be an average defender with an average arm. Like most prospects his age, Montes is still working on his outfield routes and improving his overall range. He also projects to be an average runner.

The club that signs him will be banking on his impactful raw power and above-average athleticism. 

Montes trains with Aldo Marrero in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The Mariners are the favorite to sign him.

Awards

MiLB Awards All-MiLB Prospect First Team

Year	Team
2024

Baseball America Low Class A All-Star

Year	Team
2024

CAL Top MLB Prospect

Year	Team
2024

CAL Post-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2024

CAL Most Valuable Player

Year	Team
2024

NWL Player of the Week

Week	Team
08/18/2024

CAL Player of the Month

Month	Team
05/2024
08/2023

CAL Player of the Week

Week	Team
05/05/2024
08/20/2023

Baseball America Rookie All-Star

Year	Team
2023

ACL Player of the Week

Week	Team
07/23/2023

DSL Mid-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2022

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Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/27/2024	Everett AquaSox activated OF Lazaro Montes.
	08/20/2024	Everett AquaSox transferred OF Lazaro Montes to the Development List.
	08/20/2024	Everett AquaSox transferred OF Lazaro Montes to the Development List.
	06/25/2024	OF Lazaro Montes assigned to Everett AquaSox from Modesto Nuts.
	03/07/2024	Seattle Mariners Prospects activated OF Lazaro Montes.
	03/03/2024	OF Lazaro Montes assigned to Seattle Mariners.
	08/03/2023	OF Lazaro Montes assigned to Modesto Nuts from ACL Mariners.
	08/03/2023	Modesto Nuts activated OF Lazaro Montes.
	06/05/2023	OF Lazaro Montes assigned to ACL Mariners.
	03/17/2023	OF Lazaro Montes assigned to Seattle Mariners.
	03/17/2023	OF Lazaro Montes roster status changed by Seattle Mariners.
	07/23/2022	OF Lazaro Montes, and assigned to DSL AL All-Stars.
	04/03/2022	OF Lazaro Montes assigned to DSL Mariners.
	01/15/2022	Seattle Mariners signed free agent OF Lazaro Montes to a minor league contract.