Joseph Montalvo

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #30 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade: 40/High
  
  Track Record: Montalvo was the Rangers’ final pick in the 2021 draft. He’s a native Puerto Rican who went to high school in Florida and was committed to Eastern Florida State JC before Texas signed him for $125,000. He advanced a level per year and spent all of 2023 in Low-A Down East, where he struck out 107 hitters in 95.1 innings. He’s a converted shortstop who in 2023 was in just his second year as a pitcher.
  
  Scouting Report: Montalvo works with a three-pitch mix fronted by a low-90s four-seam fastball with above-average spin and horizontal movement as well as a low vertical approach angle that amplifies the pitch. He backs the fastball with a low-80s slider with high spin and a decent amount of sweep that projects to be below-average. His changeup, thrown in the mid 80s, is a potential plus pitch with decent fade and drop away from lefthanders at its best. His delivery is inconsistent, which is understandable considering how raw he is on the mound. If he can repeat more often, he could get to average control.
  
  The Future: Montalvo will advance to High-A Hickory in 2023, when he’ll work to develop his slider and streamline his delivery to the point that he can be a No. 5 starter. If not, he might fit as a bulk reliever.
  
  Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Slider: 40 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 50