MLB Pipeline has been slowly rolling out its list of the top 10 prospects position-by-position throughout January.

The Seattle Mariners have had several notable prospects, including Kade Anderson, Ryan Sloan, Colt Emerson and Michael Arroyo all recognized by MLB Pipeline as top 10 at their respective positions in the minor leagues this season.

Another Mariners prospect was recognized by the website Jan. 22.

Lazaro Montes was named as the No. 9 outfielder in the minor leagues according to the publication.

In a story from Jonathan Mayo for MLB.com, Montes was graded as having the best power-tool among the outfielders mentioned. Mayo had the following to say about Montes' strength:

A mountain of a man, it's hard to believe the 6-foot-5 Montes will be just 21 for all of the 2026 season. He's coming off a 32-homer season after hitting 21 as a teenager in 2024. He has as much raw power and strength as just about any prospect in baseball.

Montes was signed as an international free agent out of Cuba on Jan. 15, 2022.

Montes began last season with the High-A Everett AquaSox and was named to the MLB All-Star Futures Game. He was promoted to the Double-A Arkansas Travelers on July 18, a week after he competed in the Futures Game.

Across 131 games at the High-A and Double-A levels, Montes slashed .241/.354/.504 with an .858 OPS and hit 19 doubles, seven triples and a single-season career-high 32 home runs with 83 RBIs.

Montes' triples and RBIs were also single-season career-highs.

Montes struggled to keep his batting average up when he moved up to Double-A but his power remained. His slash line went from .268/.387/.572 with Everett to .213/.319/.433 with Double-A. However, his home runs went from 18 in 67 games with the AquaSox to 14 in 64 games with the Travelers.

Everett's home of Funko Field is considered the most hitter-friendly environment in the team's minor league system and Arkansas' Dickey-Stephens Park is considered the most difficult environment for hitters.

Montes' high strikeout numbers leaves room for concern but his power translating to the worst hitting environment for M's prospects is encouraging.

Montes will likely be a non-roster invite to spring training, as he was the previous season. A solid performance in spring, plus solid showings in Double-A and with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers this upcoming season, could catapult him to the major leaguers sooner rather than later.

Montes is currently projected to make his major league debut in 2026 according to MLB Pipeline.

Remember to join our MARINERS on ROUNDTABLE community, which is FREE! You can post your own thoughts, in text or video form, and you can engage with our Roundtable staff, as well as other Mariners fans. If prompted to download the Roundtable APP, that's free too!