The Rays have agreed to a minor league contract with infielder Coco Montes, reviews Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Instances. The deal comes with an invite to spring coaching. Montes final performed for the Yomiuri Giants of NPB. He’s a consumer of O’Connell Sports activities Administration.
Chosen by the Rockies late within the 2018 draft, Montes labored his method up by way of Colorado’s farm system. Although he was by no means a highly-rated prospect, he produced above-average offensive numbers each season within the minors whereas splitting his time between second base, third base, and shortstop. Amidst a robust 2023 season at Triple-A Albuquerque (.317/.400/.550, 128 wRC+), Montes earned his first promotion to the majors. Nevertheless, his minor league success did not translate to the MLB stage. He went 7-for-38 (.184) with a 38 wRC+. So as to add insult to damage, he managed to build up -3 Outs Above Common in a minuscule 93-inning pattern dimension at second base. He was designated for task and outrighted to Triple-A in September.
Montes earned an invite to huge league spring coaching in 2024, however he did not make the crew out of camp. Undeterred, he continued hitting properly at Triple-A in 2024. In reality, it was arguably the perfect season of his profession. In 297 journeys to the plate, he slashed .335/.414/.551, good for a 140 wRC+. But, the Rockies by no means gave him one other probability to check his righty bat in Colorado. Slightly, they granted him his launch in June, permitting him to signal with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan.
In 46 video games with the Giants, Montes slashed .272/.308/.391 with a .699 OPS. That may not appear as spectacular as his Triple-A slash strains, however needless to say he was enjoying in a very completely different offensive surroundings. Certainly, Montes outperformed the Central League averages in all three triple-slash classes. His 13.2% strikeout fee was additionally a lot better than the 18.8% league common. That low strikeout fee helped him produce above-average offensive numbers regardless of drawing simply seven walks and hitting just one house run.
Now getting into his age-28 season, Montes will look to make his method again to MLB with the Rays. His defensive versatility is his foremost asset; Topkin suggests he may cowl left discipline along with enjoying throughout the infield. If the Rays can assist him translate a few of his offensive success from Triple-A and NPB to the majors, even higher.
Topkin additionally factors out that Montes could have alternatives to choose out of his contract if he doesn’t make the massive league roster. As well as, he could have the selection to elect free company on the finish of the 2025 season.
