Marlins’ Torin Montgomery Focused On Proving Himself

First baseman Torin Montgomery is the prospect so nice the Marlins drafted him twice.

The Marlins selected him in the 35th round in 2009 out of high school, then took him again in 2022 out of Missouri, this time in the 14th round.

In his 35 games in the Florida Complex and Florida State leagues, Montgomery hit .266/.345/.427 with four home runs.

“In high school, college and now as a pro, I’ve never been highly ranked,” Montgomery said, “but I take pride in the underdog aspect. I’ve got my foot in the door now, and I’m not going to let anything stand in my way.”

When he was 14, Montgomery moved from Connecticut to Seattle. In college, Boise State dropped its program after he had been there only one year. He transferred to Missouri and had a breakout 2022 season, hitting .365 with a 1.009 OPS in 49 games.

“My best description of him is that he is a professional hitter,” Missouri coach Steve Bieser said. “We had him in the four-hole for a reason. He consistently gave us quality at-bats.

“He has a good feel for the strike zone and the patience to attack what he wants. He goes up there with an approach, and he sticks with it for the entire at-bat.”

Marlins scouting director DJ Svihlik said he likes Montgomery’s overall game.

“The same thing we liked back then is what we like now,” Svihlik told the media on draft day. “Now he has more of a track record, and he’s proven our thoughts on him correct. He’s got good plate discipline, which has been a theme for us this year.”

Montgomery, who still has a cap and sweatshirt from the first time the Marlins drafted him, wants to repay the organization for its faith.

“I’ve spent the offseason getting my body right,” Montgomery said. “I’m taking care of my nutrition so I can have optimal performance.”