Marlins’ Monte Harrison ‘always trying to do something.’ Now, he’ll compete for a roster spot.
Monte Harrison’s opportunity has arrived.
Two years after being acquired by the Miami Marlins as part of the Christian Yelich trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, the 24-year-old outfielder is primed to make his MLB debut at some point during the 2020 season.
And while certainly far from guaranteed, a case could be made for him making the Opening Day roster should he have a strong showing in spring training.
“He’s always trying to make a play,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said at MLB’s winter meetings in San Diego. “He’s either trying to steal a bag or first to third, throw somebody out, trying to square somebody up, hit a ball hard. It’s just like he’s always trying to do something. I love his energy and just the confidence that he brings.”
If he can make a splash, it will help justify the deal the Marlins made with the Brewers two years ago when they traded away Yelich.
So far, the trade has provided minimal results at best at the major-league level.
Lewis Brinson has struggled over two years (.189 batting average in 184 games, 194 strikeouts vs 115 hits). Second baseman Isan Diaz, who dominated in Triple A, went through growing pains in his first two months in the big leagues last season, hitting .173 with 59 strikeouts through 49 games and 179 at-bats. He did hit five home runs and drive in 23 runs, though.
Pitcher Jordan Yamamoto got off to a record-setting start by throwing consecutive seven-inning shutouts to begin his career and winning four of his first six starts, but he gave up at least four earned runs in six of his final seven appearances on the mound. The 23-year-old projects to be a back-end starter at best.
Harrison, the Marlins’ No. 5 prospect and the No. 83 overall prospect in MLB, hit .274 with nine home runs 24 RBI, 41 runs scored and 20 stolen bases for the Marlins’ Triple A affiliate New Orleans Baby Cakes last season. However, he was limited to 56 games at the highest minor-league level due to an assortment of injuries, primarily a right wrist injury that shut him down for nearly two months at the end of the season.
The Marlins sent him to play winter ball in Puerto Rico to get additional at-bats before spring training, and he has flourished.
The toolsy 6-3, 220-pound outfielder is hitting .300 (15 for 50) with four doubles, four RBI, eight runs and four stolen bases for the Cirollos de Caguas as of Friday.
“In terms of pure athleticism and brute strength, Harrison has tremendous upside ... [but] he must demonstrate he can make consistent contact to reach his true potential,” reads his MLB Pipeline scouting report. “Defensively, he has the quickness for center field and a cannon for an arm that easily would fit in right.”
He will have competition for one of those coveted big-league roster spots, though. With the signings of Jonathan Villar and Jesus Aguilar earlier this month, Brian Anderson will likely get his share of reps in right field. Garrett Cooper figures to be a spot starter at first and in the corner outfields while primarily coming off the bench.
The Marlins are also open to signing another outfielder in free agency, with players like Corey Dickerson, Kole Calhoun and Yasiel Puig in contention.
Jon Berti, Lewis Brinson, Harold Ramirez, Magneuris Sierra, Jesus Sanchez, Austin Dean and Matt Kemp (non-roster invite) will also be outfield contenders for roster spots throughout spring training. Berti can play anywhere in the field except first base and catcher.
Garcia signing official
The Marlins on Friday officially announced the signing of right-handed relief pitcher Yimi Garcia.
Garcia, 29,appeared in 64 games for the Dodgers last season and posted a 3.61 ERA with 66 strikeouts against 14 walks over 62 1/3 innings.
In 165 career appearances over five seasons with the Dodgers, the 6-0, 225-pound right-handed pitcher has a 3.66 ERA with 166 strikeouts versus 30 walks in 159 2/3 innings. Opponents have hit .215 against him all time.
The Marlins designated reliever Kyle Keller for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
This story was originally published December 20, 2019 at 12:56 PM.
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