Miami Marlins UPDATED top 10 prospects for 2019

3. Monte Harrison, OF

Birthday: 8/10/1995 (23)
Acquired: Trade with Brewers, January 2018
Level(s): AA Jacksonville
Statistics: .240/.316/.399, 136 G, 583 PA, 20 2B, 3 3B, 19 HR, 28 SB, 7.5% BB, 36.9% K

There are few players in baseball who get off the team bus looking more impressive than Monte Harrison, and if his work in the Arizona Fall League this year is any indication, he may finally be ready to turn that elite physicality into production and polish on the field.

Originally drafted by the Brewers in the 2nd round out of high school in Missouri high school, Harrison has flashed his incredible athleticism with big speed and power in batting practice until 2017. In 2017, he had a breakthrough year, pounding 28 doubles and 21 home runs while stealing 27 bases.

Always one to strike out at a fairly heavy rate, the Miami Marlins were nowhere near prepared to see Harrison whiff the way he did in 2018. He did not let other pieces of his game suffer, still displaying power and speed.

He also displayed the thing that has become his trademark, his defense. Harrison is very feasibly the best defensive outfielder in the entire minor leagues, with the ability to be a Gold Glove defender in center field, but also arguably the best outfield arm in the minors that would allow him to be an elite corner outfielder.

Showing up to the Arizona Fall League, Harrison had made a few adjustments to his setup at the plate, and it’s made a world of difference. Against some of the top arms in the minor leagues and certainly some elite velocity, he has posted a .290/.383/.348 line, but most importantly, he’s posted a 12.3% walk rate and an impressive 23.5% strikeout rate for his previous work.

Harrison should open 2019 in AAA, and if his new approach can hold, he could be a threat at the top of the lineup for the Miami Marlins.