Toronto Blue Jays Claim Jesus Montero off Waivers

By David Hill |

Sep 16, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Jesus Montero (63) watches his three-run homer against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Jesus Montero had been a top prospect for the Yankees before burning out with the Mariners. Now, he is hoping a move to the Toronto Blue Jays can rejuvenate his career.

Not too long ago, Jesus Montero was one of the top prospects in baseball. A power hitting young catcher, he was expected to be a rock behind the plate for the Yankees for quite a few years. When he was sent to Seattle for Michael Pineda, it appeared to be a matter of a team trading top prospects for positions of need.

Montero displayed his potential during his first full season in Seattle. Splitting his time between catcher and DH, Montero posted a solid .260/.298/.386 batting line, hitting 15 home runs and 20 doubles. While he only drew 29 walks in 553 plate appearances, the expectations were that he would improve as he got acclimated to the majors, providing the Mariners with quite the powerful bat behind the dish.

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Instead, Montero flamed out. Between his struggles the following year, a 50 game suspension as part of the Biogenesis PED investigation and questions about his work ethic and hustle, and an incident involving a scout and an ice cream sandwich, Montero only appeared in 73 games over the next three years, posting a disappointing .217/.255/.374 batting line. He still hit nine home runs, but it was obvious that Seattle had moved on.

Now that he has been released by the Mariners, he has found a home with the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto claimed the now first baseman/designated hitter on waivers, designating A.J. Jimenez for assignment. Here, Montero will look to once again recapture the form that made him a highly regarded prospect in the Yankees system.

It is certainly possible that the change of scenery will help. After all, the Blue Jays have had a great deal of success in taking on these projects before, turning players like Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion into stars. Perhaps Montero, who is only 26 years old despite his experience, can follow the same path and become the next reclamation project to find success north of the border.

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For a minimal expenditure, the Toronto Blue Jays could end up with a bargain in Jesus Montero. If he can get in shape and take advantage of this opportunity, Montero might finally be able to unlock his potential.

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