The Seattle Mariners are making a significant move by promoting outfield prospect Lázaro Montes, as reported by MLB insider Francys Romero. Montes, who is expected to join the Mariners when rosters expand to 28 players on Tuesday, is a highly regarded talent within the organization. At just 21 years old, he is not only the Mariners’ fifth-ranked prospect but also holds the 56th spot overall in MLB Pipeline’s prospect rankings.
Montes, originally from Cuba, signed with the Mariners as an international free agent in 2022. His impressive physical stature, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 210 pounds, is complemented by his remarkable power-hitting ability. Across five seasons in the minor leagues, he has accumulated a total of 114 home runs, showcasing his potential as a formidable slugger. In the last two seasons alone, Montes has demonstrated his power by hitting 32 home runs last season between High-A and Double-A, followed by an impressive 38 home runs this season across Double-A and Triple-A.
His 38 home runs currently rank him second in all of Minor League Baseball, trailing only Milwaukee Brewers prospect Andrew Fischer, who has hit 42. This surge in power hitting has made Montes a key player to watch as the Mariners aim for a potential playoff spot.
Entering the 2026 season, Montes was one of seven Mariners prospects featured in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list. He made a strong impression during spring training, and his performance in the minor leagues has only solidified his status as a top prospect. In 122 games this season, Montes has posted a slash line of .247/.365/.556, with 96 runs batted in, 97 runs scored, and 23 doubles.
While Montes is primarily listed as an outfielder, scouts have speculated that he may transition to a designated hitter role in the long term due to his offensive capabilities. The Mariners, currently five games out of the Wild Card race, are hoping that adding a player with Montes’ power can help them make a late-season push for the playoffs.
Bringing up Montes could serve dual purposes for the Mariners. Not only does it reward one of their top minor league hitters for his outstanding performance, but it also allows the team to evaluate their prospects during the September roster expansion. Even if the Mariners fall short of a postseason berth, Montes’ debut could generate excitement among fans and potentially increase attendance at T-Mobile Park.
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