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The Seattle Mariners have a whopping seven of the top 100 prospects listed by both Baseball America and MLB for 2025. All are position players, which is great news for the pitching-rich, offensively challenged team.
Are they ready to impact the team for 2025 in the AL West Division? It is unlikely any will make the Opening Day roster. By midseason, some could arrive and help Seattle challenge the favored Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.
Six of the Marinersโ Super 7 are under age 22, led by 19-year-old infielder Colt Emerson. He is ranked No. 20 overall. Cuban outfielder Lazaro Montes, 20, is at No. 42 and could provide the biggest boost if he suddenly becomes consistent in measuring up to his idol, Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez.
MESA, AZ: Lazaro Montes of the Seattle Mariners hits a single against the Oakland Athletics in a ... [+] Spring Training game at Hohokam Stadium on March 12, 2024. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
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Montes signed for $2.5 million at age 17 as an international free agent in 2022. The 6-foot-3 Dominican already has 53 doubles, 44 homers, 207 RBI and a .291 average in 243 games in the minors. A year ago in 117 games at Class A, he hit .288 with 21 homers, 105 RBI.
A lack of speed limits Montes to playing left or right field. Some scouts believe he could handle first base and likely will become a full-time DH in the mold of Hall of Famer David Ortiz. Montes has similar bat speed and launch angle proponents to Big Papi.