Miami Marlins: Monte Harrison takes advantage of his second chance

JUPITER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Monte Harrison #60 of the Miami Marlins in action during the spring training game against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on February 23, 2020 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
JUPITER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Monte Harrison #60 of the Miami Marlins in action during the spring training game against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on February 23, 2020 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Now that the roster has expanded and there are more opportunities, Miami Marlins prospect Monte Harrison is in the mix to make the 2020 roster.

The Miami Marlins prospect who benefits the most from the new rules and expanded roster in this 60-game season is Monte Harrison.

I felt the need to write that as if it were a fact, but the Marlins’ ninth-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline should not only make the Opening Day roster but has a solid chance to be in the starting lineup when the team travels to Philadelphia to face the Phillies in the first series of the season.

Harrison was sent bake to the minors as part of the one the few transactions the team has completed during the time away from Marlins Park due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Now, with the second wave of training camp before the start of the 2020 season, the former Milwaukee Brewers farmhand is taking his swings and preparing for what is next in his MLB career.

The second chance he has been given should pay dividends for himself and the franchise.

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"“Obviously, the new Summer Camp really puts him back into the equation,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said via MLB.com. “What’s happened over the last three months puts Monte back into the equation.”"

The outfield has remained one of the more interesting competitions this offseason with the additions of Jonathan Villar and Corey Dickerson – who figure to be in the lineup as well once games mean something. Matt Joyce is another veteran who is expected to get more time on the field, but now Harrison is someone everyone on the current 60-man roster must consider as a real threat to make his MLB debut sooner rather than later.

"“We love Monte,” Mattingly said. “Monte, the athlete. Monte, the competitor. Monte has worked really hard, and has continued to improved.”"

The player the Miami Marlins front office sees today is not the same one who got his feet week at Double-A Jacksonville two seasons ago. He has become a more refined player and has learned to be patient at the plate. His speed on the base pads is another component that has improved last season. He could wind up being a home run threat from the leadoff spot or potentially as the fifth or sixth hitter in the order.

There are 17 days until the start of the season. Harrison figures to get as much work in as all potential outfield prospects. As long as he continues to connect at the plate and work on his defense in the outfield that has been altered this offseason, he certainly becomes a player to watch with great interest.

"“In Spring Training, Harrison impressed the big league staff with his leadership and game-changing speed,” Joe Frisaro added. “A former three-sport standout in high school, he hit .364 with six stolen bases and eight runs scored in 15 Grapefruit League games.”"

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