Patrick Monteverde providing optimism for a bright future in Miami
Photo Courtesy: Nino Mendez
During the 2023 campaign, the Miami Marlins have been a pleasant surprise and have gotten off to a 51-38 start. Their success has been fueled by a young roster full of talent. More help is on the way as one of their prospects, Patrick Monteverde, is putting together a dominant season in Double-A.
The Marlins selected Monteverde in the eighth round of the 2021 MLB Draft. For the Pittsburgh native, it was a process he will never forget.
“After the year I had at Tech and talking to my coaches, I knew I had a pretty good chance of getting taken,” said Monteverde. “It was kind of surreal. You dream about that day growing up as a kid. I was just glad to have my family around me that night.”
Since starting his professional career, Monteverde has impressed at every level. In 41 appearances, 35 of which have been starts, the Texas Tech product has posted a 2.71 ERA. While Monteverde has steadily risen through the Marlins system, he has had to make adjustments.
" The first one is the length of the season," said Monteverde. "Nothing can prepare you for playing 150 games. They can tell you how physically and mentally demanding it is, but you can't do much until you go through it. Going into my second full season, I focused on what I wanted to improve on so I wasn't burnt out at the end. Hitters have also gotten better regardless of the level."
So far this season, Monteverde's hard work is paying off. Through 13 starts, he has posted a 1.93 ERA and struck out 84 batters. Opponents are hitting .185 and struggling to make hard contact. After allowing 13 home runs last season, the 2021 draftee has only given up four through 74.2 innings of work. Regardless of his results, Monteverde's approach has stayed the same.
“I’ve just stuck to my approach,” said Monteverde. “Last year, my last five or six starts were pretty good, which was a confidence boost heading into this year. I’ve just been going out there and competing and filling up the strike zone. Also, the team behind has been good. I’ve had great defense behind me.”
Due to his success, the 21-year-old is currently ranked No.28 on the Marlins top 30 prospect list by MLB.com. In less than two weeks, Monteverde will showcase his national skills at the Futures game alongside teammate Nasim Nunez. It is an honor Monteverde is not taking for granted.
"It's a big honor, "said Montverde. "I am very thankful and blessed for it. I can't wait. I watched Eury pitch in it last year, and now he's up in the majors and pitching well. It's going to be great to meet new people and play against the best."
As Monteverde prepares to play on the national stage, his approach will stay the same as the rest of the baseball world gets to see why the Marlins' future is bright.
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