|
Lazaro Montes
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. - MLB Pipeline
Here's an updated Lazaro
|