With the second half now in full swing across Minor League Baseball, organizations have begun to promote prospects en masse. Several promotions were made official between June 23-24, specifically to Double-A. The Mariners promoted two of their star prospects, while the D-Backs and Mets followed suit with their 2024 first-rounders.
Mariners move up two
The Mariners officially pushed Lazaro Montes and Michael Arroyo, two of the team’s top prospects, up to Double-A Arkansas. Both Arroyo and Montes helped Everett (A+) win the first-half title in the Northwest League.
Both Arroyo and Montes had nothing to prove left in High-A. As of June 24, Montes led the Northwest League in home runs (18), while Arroyo was second with 16. The two also had .900 OPS+ figures (Montes at .959, Arroyo at .934).
Montes had his strikeout problems in High-A, though, and that will be something to watch as he moves up the system. It’s a longer stroke but Montes generates plenty of bat speed.
As for Arroyo, he possesses a shorter swing but took advantage of High-A pitching.
2024 first-rounders up to Double-A
Two 2024 first-rounders received callups to Double-A.
One of those names was Ryan Waldschmidt, one of Arizona’s first-round picks last July. Waldschmidt, who missed time in 2024 with Kentucky thanks to injury, ranked eighth in OPS (.862) as of June 24 in the Northwest League,
And as noted on June 23, Carson Benge — the Mets’ 2024 first-round pick — was promoted to Double-A Binghamton along with Jacob Reimer.
Benge hit for plenty of power during the 2024 season with Oklahoma State; he blasted 18 during his junior season. That number was muted in Brooklyn, one of the most pitcher-friendly ballparks in the South Atlantic League, thanks to the offshore breezes that filter and stifle left-handers looking to go to right field.
Nonetheless, Benge performed very well. He did hit for power and showed an advanced approach, working counts. Benge walked 41 times, compared to 50 strikeouts with the Cyclones.
Other notable promotions
One of Kansas City’s top prospects, catcher Carter Jensen, was promoted from Double-A Northwest Arkansas to Triple-A Omaha. Jensen slashed .292/.360/.420 (.780 OPS) with the Naturals.
The Red Sox promoted 2024 second-rounder Payton Tolle to Double-A Portland. Tolle, who boasted one of the best, deceptive fastballs in the NCAA last season with TCU, leaves the SALLY league with the second-most strikeouts in the circuit (79).
In a corresponding move, the Red Sox promoted former UNC lefty Shea Sprague to replace Tolle.
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