The Rays have agreed to a minor league contract with infielder Coco Montes, studies Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Occasions. The deal comes with an invite to spring coaching. Montes final performed for the Yomiuri Giants of NPB. He’s a shopper of O’Connell Sports activities Administration.
Chosen by the Rockies late within the 2018 draft, Montes labored his means 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 powerful 2023 season at Triple-A Albuquerque (.317/.400/.550, 128 wRC+), Montes earned his first promotion to the majors. Nonetheless, his minor league success didn’t translate to the MLB degree. 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 measurement at second base. He was designated for project and outrighted to Triple-A in September.
Montes earned an invite to large league spring coaching in 2024, however he didn’t make the group out of camp. Undeterred, he continued hitting properly at Triple-A in 2024. In actual fact, it was arguably the most effective 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 likelihood to check his righty bat in Colorado. Fairly, 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 traces, however understand that he was taking part in in a totally totally different offensive setting. Certainly, Montes outperformed the Central League averages in all three triple-slash classes. His 13.2% strikeout price was additionally a lot better than the 18.8% league common. That low strikeout price helped him produce above-average offensive numbers regardless of drawing simply seven walks and hitting just one dwelling run.
Now getting into his age-28 season, Montes will look to make his means again to MLB with the Rays. His defensive versatility is his foremost asset; Topkin suggests he might cowl left area along with taking part in throughout the infield. If the Rays will help him translate a few of his offensive success from Triple-A and NPB to the majors, even higher.
Topkin additionally factors out that Montes can have alternatives to choose out of his contract if he doesn’t make the massive league roster. As well as, he can have the selection to elect free company on the finish of the 2025 season.