Lázaro Montes is a very coveted player within the Seattle Mariners organization. The number three prospect in team’s farm system signed for a decent 2.5 million dollar bonus in 2021 and has been on the fast track to the big club ever since. The slugger was MiLB’s organizational prospect of the year for the Mariners this year.
Montes who has drawn comparisons to Yordan Álvarez because of the similarities in physical attributes including his raw power is slated to start this season in High-A ball and has an major league ETA for 2025, depending on how he performs over the next year and a half.
Last season between A-A+ he hit .288 with 21 doubles, 21 longballs, drove in 105 run and slashed .397/.484/.881. The slugger was the California League’s Most Valuable Player and was also ranked amongst the top-10 power-hitters in the minors. With the way he is progressing expect Montes in the big show sooner than later.
We see you training, how are you preparing for the upcoming season?
I feel extremely good. Now inmy preparation I am giving one hundred percent, because my goal to reach the Major Leagues, and not only get there but stay there. The goal is not only to reach the Major Leagues, but also put up good numbers.
How did you get started in baseball?
My father instilled the game in me since I was little. I started playing when I was four years old. At 14, when I left Cuba I began to mature and see baseball in a different way. For me, this is a game, because I have fun playing it, but I know that there are many things that this sport can contribute to the family.
How difficult was it leaving Cuba?
Yes, it was a difficult step. Many things happened during the process, but thank God everything ended well and now we are here.
Have you encountered any difficulties in professional ball?
As you say, everything is much more professional. Everything is more difficult. The fact of being away from your family, everything you have to leave behind to move forward and maintain focus, that’s what has shocked me the most.
When you were growing up in Cuba, did you admire any player?
There were many players in Cuba who motivated me, but I would say that Alexander Malleta is my favorite player of all-time.
You have been compared to Yordan Álvarez, how does that make you feel?
It’s a very strong comparison, really. My expectations cannot be low, they have to be high. They compare me to Yordan Alvarez and that is an honor for me, to be compared to a player as wonderful as him.
When do you see yourself in the Major Leagues?
I see myself in the Major Leagues very soon, but my goal is for next year.