Though he played his last 51 games of the 2024 season with Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League, right fielder Lazaro Montes delivered enough damage early in the summer with the Modesto Nuts to be named California League MVP on Wednesday.
Montes, 19, was also named the league’s Top MLB Prospect. The Single-A California League is one step below the High-A Northwest League as players strive to reach the MLB.
Montes and fellow Frog Colt Emerson helped the Nuts get off to a quick start this year, and Modesto won its second straight league title on Wednesday night with a 2-1 victory over Lake Elsinore.
In 65 games with Modesto, Montes batted .309 with 13 homers, 13 doubles and two triples. His .938 OPS led all players who participated in at least 60 California League games.
Montes started relatively slowly after his promotion to Everett, but finished with a .260 batting average, eight homers and eight doubles. His 1.003 OPS in his last 12 games of the season led the AquaSox and was third in the Northwest League.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
