RHP Joseph Montalvo Scouting Report:

Background: Joseph Montalvo was the final pick by the Rangers in the 20th round in the 2021 Draft out of Central Pointe Christian Academy in Kissimmee, Florida, making him the first player ever drafted out of the school. The former infielder converted to pitching relief in 2022 before the Rangers made him as a starter. Standing at 6’2, 185lbs, he has broad shoulders, tree trunk legs. His delivery is smooth when he comes to the set. He throws at a mid 3/4 angle with a mid-leg kick as he drives his foot forward, landing on the same spot repeatedly.

Fastball-50: He has a four-seam fastball that has been up to 95 MPH, and sits at 92-93. It shows good arm-side run and he can spot it on the inside to lefties and on the outside corner on righties. When he sequences it with his changeup, it results in swings and misses. Doesn’t miss bats when he goes high with the pitch.

Slider-50: The pitch has bite to it, when he stays on top of it with good, sweeping action. It’s his main swing-and-miss offering because of the depth on the pitch when he can throw it with consistency. Can spot the pitch on the back foot of righties.

Changeup-45: Flashes late downward action and maintains arm speed. A good enough pitch to keep hitters off balance, but he needs to keep it down to be more effective.

Overall: Montalvo is similar to Tigers RHP Keider Montero as far as makeup and even in his mechanics. The slider will need to continue to be developed if his fastball continues to gain velocity. His change is a better pitch than what was scouted, at least in my opinion. It has good swing-and-miss action. With the Tigers’ development staff, Montalvo can continue to add more to his secondaries for better consistency.

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