Milwaukee Brewers bring Monte Harrison back where it all began

Monte Harrison had been a highly regarded prospect before being traded by the Milwaukee Brewers. Now he is back where it all began.

According to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Brewers have signed Harrison to a minor league deal. He will get an invitation to the major league portion of spring training.

Monte Harrison returns to Milwaukee Brewers

Harrison had once been one of the more promising prospects in the Brewers’ system, a player whose power and speed made him a consensus top 100 prospect prior to the 2018 season. He had been part of what was an ill-fated return for Christian Yelich, sent to the Marlins as they looked to rebuild their roster.

He has been unable to live up to that potential in the majors. Harrison has not received much of a chance, with just 76 plate appearances over parts of three seasons. He also has not done much in that time, posting a .176/.253/.294 batting line with two homers and two doubles while stealing seven bases. However, there have been some positive signs, such as his finishing fourth in the National League in 2020 with four runs saved in center despite just 101 innings at the position.

While the Brewers have a crowded outfield picture, it may be possible for Harrison to carve out a role. His excellent defense will certainly play up at any spot in the outfield. The new rules, including larger bases, the pitch clock, and limits on pickoff moves, could make him a useful option as a fourth or fifth outfielder.

But even that may be more than is possible for Harrison. He has not exactly lit Triple-A on fire either, posting a .249/.336/.426 batting line with 33 homers and 28 doubles over his 883 plate appearances. For a league that is an offensive haven, his numbers are a distinct disappointment at that level.

Monte Harrison is back with the Milwaukee Brewers. Maybe a return to his original organization will get him to live up to his potential.