Mariners fans make it clear which prospect they can't wait to see next

Seattle has a wealth of young talent in the minor leagues. Even after trading away Harry Ford to bolster their major league bullpen, they still have seven names that were ranked among MLB's Top 100 overall prospects. Naturally, this means there are more than a few individuals whose debuts are eagerly anticipated.

The team has already gone on record to say that they expect big things from Colt Emerson next year. There has been little news about Kade Anderson but given his college pedigree, it shouldn't be long before he finds himself ascending through the minor league ranks. The likes of Michael Arroyo and Ryan Sloan have continued to impress but recent data suggests that one name stands out among the rest.

Last year, Lazaro Montes had the most popular minor league player page in Washington

A recent tweet by MiLB displayed the player page that received the most visits for each state and Lazaro Montes had more than anyone else. Interestingly, he was also the most popular in Alaska.

To his credit, he's a highly-touted prospect himself. In 2025, he was Seattle's No. 3 prospect and the No. 29 prospect overall. He dominated in High-A this year, posting a 149 wRC+ over 301 plate appearances and had a respectable 122 wRC+ over 282 plate appearances in Double-A as well. His power tool was on full display as he clubbed 32 home runs with a .504 slugging percentage across the full minor league season.

But what's more surprising is that in a time where Seattle has a one-of-a-kind switch pitcher, an elite middle infielder, and two future aces at the top of their farm system, Montes overshadowed all of them. Part of it could be his rapid rise to the top. In 2023, he was ranked as the team's No. 13 prospect but after a dominant 168 wRC+ in his first season of Single-A, his player stock skyrocketed and he hasn't looked back since.

It could also have to do with his path to the show. Montes has spent most of his time in right field where his power, arm, and lack of speed make the most sense. At the big league level, it's the weakest position in the outfield. It's currently held by Victor Robles, who has another year on his extension (along with a 2027 team option) and is in need of a bounceback season.

He managed a wRC+ of just 75 and -0.2 fWAR after missing most of the season with a shoulder injury. When he's at his best, he's one of the most impactful players on the roster but if Seattle isn't able to get that version of him in 2026, they have the perfect replacement.

At just 21 years old, the reputation of Lazaro Montes precedes him. His light tower power is something the Mariners haven't had in right field in years. Paired with the slugging talents of Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Josh Naylor, his inevitable debut will be one to remember and could be the start of something great for this Seattle lineup.