Jesus Montero, C New York Yankees
11/28/1989
Height: 6’4″ Weight: 225
Jesus Montero was the top overall international prospect in 2006 when the Yankees signed him to a $1.65mm deal as a 16 year old. In his first season as a 17 year old in the GCL, Montero, began to flash some of the power that would become a calling card for him as well as the quality bat control. He spent the next 3 seasons climbing the ladder, battling questions about his defense, while proving that his bat was a legit plus tool. 2008 was his breakout and 2009 stamped the production as real, making Montero a Top 100 prospect. He ranked #48 in our 2009 Preseason Top Prospect List which you can check out here(we were so young back then.)
Jesus Montero, C Yankees
Despite a slow start to the 2010 season, Montero, went on a 2nd half tear and heading into the 2011 season, Montero, led our Top Prospect list:
1. Jesus Montero C NYY – Montero is the most advanced bat in the minors. Plus hit tool with plus power. Good chance to stick at C and be average defensively. Ranked #9 last year but a second half tear and age to level make him special even if he’s not a C long term in most minds.
So let’s take a look at the Skill Set that makes Montero one of the top prospects in all of baseball.
The Bat
Montero, even as a young 17 year old was able to flash above average power, never once in his career dropping below the .125 IsoP mark. 2009 and 2010 saw Montero flash plus power and many projected him to be a 30+ HR hitter. Well, 2011 has seen that power number drop to .178. So that HR power is in question. The same can be said for the plus contact skill that Montero possesses. While he doesn’t have classic hitting mechanics, his advanced hand eye coordination allows him to barrel up at a high percentage. Leading to 20%+ line-drive rates in 2009 and 2010 and even in 2011, a season in which he’s seemingly struggling, he’s still at a 19% line-drive rate. So even while struggling, there is no questioning his ability to be an elite hitter in time if his development falls the right way.
Jesus Montero, C Yankees
The Glove
As we said in 2009, Montero is never going to be more than league average behind the plate, but he’s growing as a baseball player and is personally committed to sticking behind the plate. He’s paid heavy concentration to his defense this season. To the detriment of his offense? We’ll get to that.
It is going to take a lot of hard work for Montero to remain a catcher, but the Yankees now seem ready to give it a full blown shot. With the trade for Cliff Lee getting shot down last season, the Yankees standing pat at the deadline this season and the recent call up for him, it seems that Montero is destined to get a shot at being the Yankees catcher of the future. Even if that future is only ends up being a short time.
Our Instinct
I hinted at the drop in offensive production when going over Montero’s work behind the plate. With the same line-drive rate as his most successful seasons, the hit tool is still there. The drop in power I think has more to do with lack of concentration on his game plan at the plate than the tool no longer being there. He’s striking out a little more, walking a little less and hitting the ball just as hard.
That tells me that the concentration is behind the plate and not at it.
Montero has been an elite prospect for a few seasons now, so it’s easy to forget that he is just 21 years old and making his major league debut. So he still has so much growth ahead of him before he really hits it on all cylinders. I think Montero is a legitimate .300/30/100 hitter but I don’t think that level will show itself for a few seasons. Once he’s able to work day to day on a professional routine for both his conditioning and his batting approach his production is going to rise dramatically. The plus hit tool will allow for the .300 averages while the above average power will show itself and allow him to approach some 30 HR seasons.
Check back soon as we profile many more Top MLB Prospects and also get our baseball geek on and take a look at some of the later draft picks from the 2011 draft that we think could be big names on the prospect radars in the near future. Anyone can tell you that Mike Trout is going to be a stud now, but who told you that when he was drafted? So take a look at Jose Campos right now, right here and be a step ahead of the game. Thanks for checking Baseball Instinct. We’re working hard to bring you the best of the minor leagues and make the site the best experience it can be. So don’t hesitate to tell us what you would like to read about. Email me now at Tom@baseballinstinct.com.
