Players signed as international amateurs can develop quickly. Despite receiving much smaller bonuses than many of their teammates earlier this year, right-handed pitcher Pedro Montero and infielder Luis Arana have been two of the most impressive players from the 2025 Miami Marlins free agent class, per Fish On First sources based in the Dominican Republic.
There is a “consensus” that Montero, who turns 18 next month and signed for $35,000, is the “most complete pitcher right now” from that IFA class, according to a source within the Marlins organization. Through three starts in the Dominican Summer League, he has a 1.80 ERA, 2.31 FIP, 13.50 K/9 and 2.70 BB/9 in 10 innings pitched.
The Dominican right-hander is “smooth, subtle and explosive” and “generates easy velo,” said a Marlins scout. “He creates elite arm speed and checks a lot of the delivery/mechanics boxes we look for.” Montero is listed at 6’1″, 144 pounds. His fastball currently tops out at 97 mph, Baseball America reports.
Like Montero, Arana is playing for DSL Miami. He signed for $30,000 out of Venezuela. “Every player development staff member and players says he’s our best position player,” a front office member told Fish On First.
The Marlins decided to sign Arana after a week of tryouts. “He displayed hand-eye coordination, barrel accuracy and the ability to recognize pitches. There was rarely any swing-and-misses/chases during the week we saw him, and when combined with his offensive skillset, should provide adequate offensive value. The raw athleticism here is intriguing enough to warrant a commitment as he has the requisite traits to provide future impact with appropriate development.”
In 18 games, Arana is slashing .328/.474/.492/.966 with two home runs, 12 RBI and a 142 wRC+. Most notably, he has struck out only once. His 1.3 K% is second-lowest among all qualified hitters in the DSL.
Although officially listed as a switch-hitter, Arana has been hitting exclusively from the right side this season. He turned 17 in March.
A plus runner, Arana has stolen 11 bases on 12 attempts. Defensively, he’s been splitting time between shortstop and third base.
Both players are expected to spend the entire 2025 season at the Marlins Dominican Academy.
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