Miami Marlins Prospect Watch: Monte Harrison

Will Monte Harrison, the Miami Marlins No. 3 minor league prospect, continue to show improved discipline at the plate to warrant a mid-season call from the big leagues?

Just looking at the Marlins current organization, I can see a Major League outfield in 2020 consisting of Monte Harrison, Lewis Brinson and Austin Dean. While I am being a bit less optimistic that it could happen this coming season, the play of Harrison in Triple-A could prove me wrong.

Harrison, who will start 2019 in New Orleans after showcasing power at Jacksonville in the Southern League last season and inconsistency at the plate, should be considered the one minor league prospect who’s value to the parent club could be realized later this year. Both Harrison and pitcher Nick Neidert figure to be fixtures in Miami blue for years to come.

Per MLB.com in a story on one prospect from every time we should all watch, the book on Harrison is he is still a work in progress.

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“Entering his second full season in the Marlins organization, Monte Harrison is in more of a comfort zone. Harrison was part of the Christian Yelich trade with the Brewers after the 2017 season,” the story added. “A five-tool-caliber player, the 23-year-old has impressed in Spring Training with his work ethic and willingness to make adjustments at the plate.”

Harrison’s thick frame makes you think NFL tight end or linebacker. His swing is certainly powerful enough that he could be the missing home run hitter this team has been lacking from last season.

The Marlins still need to take their time with Monte Harrison, bringing him up when he is ready. If they were to rush the process, his development may take longer.

“Reducing his strikeout rates and making more consistent contact, obviously, are his biggest issues after he struck out 215 times in 2018 at Double-A Jacksonville. In all probability, Harrison could use a full season of more development at Triple-A New Orleans to be completely big league ready. But his time may come at some point in 2019, depending on how he is performing.”

The Marlins have a solid core of outfielders on the Major and minor league level that can develop, which is a good thing for an organization building from the ground up. Brinson is having a renaissance of sorts, hitting the ball better while making adjustments at the plate this Spring. The same can happen at Triple-A.

Harrison was one of the most talked about players in the Arizona Fall League for his all-around improvement. Expect that to carry over, which could lead to him realizing his potential in a Marlins uniform later this season.