Marlins prospect Monte Harrison could have a breakout season

Monte Harrison, the Miami Marlins No. 2 minor league prospect according to MLB Pipeline, could have a season that leads him to the Major League roster.

For those of you who have not seen Miami Marlins prospect Monte Harrison, let me tell you first hand, he looks as big in person as he does in pictures and on video. The muscular slugger with the freakish athletic ability could be the next big thing in the organization, eventually making the jump to the Major at some point in the 2019 season.

This team has a slew of talented young prospects and Major Leaguers on their current roster, which bodes well for Harrison’s development. After a season in Jacksonville, the Marlins Double-A affiliate, the centerfielder should make his way to Triple-A New Orleans, working on his craft, waiting his turn.

With the player competing for a spot Miami’s outfield, Harrison has a chance to build on a decent 2018, with improvement in the Arizona Fall League this past year. His efforts will be rewarded at some point, but the likelihood of making the team’s 25-man roster are slim at the moment. Another potential motivation for the 23-year-old is his continued improvement at the plate.

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He hit 19 homeruns and had 48 RBI, but he struck out 215 times. MLB.com will release its annual “Top 30” prospects for all 30 MLB teams beginning Feb 18. Harrison was at the top of the Marlins ladder before the team signed outfielder Victor Victor Mesa.

Harrison just missed the Top 100 prospects MLB Pipeline put out last month. Per a story on MLB.com, there is plenty to like about his game and where he is heading in the Marlins organization.

“A three-sport star in high school who turned down the opportunity to play wide receiver at Nebraska when the Brewers gave him $1.8 million as a second-rounder in 2014, Harrison joined the Marlins as part of the Christian Yelich trade last January.“He has some of the best all-around tools in the Minors, including well above-average raw power and arm strength to go with plus speed.”

The organization will go into Spring Training with Harrison added to the team’s 40-man roster. The front office and coaching staff will get a first-hand look at their future outfielder. Right now, only Lewis Brinson is guaranteed a spot on Opening Day. Harrison can make a lasting impression.

If the 6’3″ 220-pound prospect continues to hit home runs, cuts down on striking out and hits for more average (he hit .240 last season in Jacksonville), there will be a spot for him in the Marlins outfield.

It might take a little longer to get there, but once the team’s  prospect is there, it’s a good bet he will stick around for a while.