Keider Montero

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #13 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade: 50/High
  
  Track Record: When the 2023 season began, it appeared that Montero’s pro career was stuck. A 2016 signee out of Venezuela who had been left available for multiple Rule 5 drafts, he was back at High-A West Michigan for a third straight year. By May, he’d been promoted to Double-A Erie, and he pitched his way to Triple-A Toledo by August. He ended up leading all MiLB pitchers with 15 wins. As a reward for his breakout season, he was added to the 40-man roster in November.
  
  Scouting Report: Montero has always shown the makings of plus control, and he’s never shied away from attacking hitters, but now he has mastered his four-pitch arsenal enough to get hitters out in the strike zone. His plus 94-96 mph fastball has enough life at the top of the zone and a flat enough angle to bedevil hitters when elevated or thrown on hitters’ hands. His mid-80s above-average slider is a pitch he can tighten up to get into the strike zone or bury for a chases. He’s just as comfortable throwing his mid-80s average changeup and high-70s average curve. Montero weighed 145 pounds when he signed. Now he’s 213 pounds and has matured into a solid pitcher’s frame with a strong base and a compact delivery.
  
  The Future: Montero’s fastball and breaking balls would play well in the bullpen if the Tigers need immediate help, but he does have a starter’s approach and control if Detroit is willing to wait a little longer for him to reach his potential as a No. 4 starter.
  
  Scouting Grades Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55