​At only 20 years old, Montesa stands out as one of the youngest college-eligible sophomore prospects in the draft. He flashes impressive velocity, regularly sitting in the mid-90s and reaching 98 MPH, and he also shows the ability to spin an above-average curveball. While command remains a concern for the West Virginia right-hander, this fits with the Cardinals’ recent draft strategy. They’ve shown a willingness to trust raw stuff to carry him in a bullpen role even if a true starter with polished command doesn’t fully materialize.
Montesa is an athletic 6-foot-1 pitcher with a four-pitch arsenal that could translate to a starting role at the next level. His fastball is his primary weapon, delivering mid-90s velocity with a peak at 98 and presenting as a tough pitch to barrel when elevated, providing a healthy amount of whiff upside. However, command of that heater is inconsistent, and when he leaves it low in the strike zone, it becomes more hittable.
He possesses a strong feel for spin, which shows up in two breaking options. His preferred upper-70s curveball can be manipulated in shape when he’s locked in, helping him miss bats, while his harder, shorter mid-80s slider is a second, more swing-and-miss offering. Both pitches play well, contributing to his ability to generate swings and misses across lineups. The changeup is present as a firm upper-80s offering, but it’s clearly his fourth pitch for now and has room to improve.
The primary hurdle for Montesa is his control. His walk rate rose as the 2026 season progressed, culminating in a 5.98 BB/9 rate in Big 12 play, a figure that likely contributed to his removal from the rotation as postseason play approached. Nevertheless, his elite raw talent and his young age—he will still be 20 at the time of the draft—kept him squarely in the conversation among the top rounds, with teams weighing the upside against the command questions.
Grading that profile, the fastball sits at 55, reflecting its premium velocity and potential. The curveball also grades at 55, underscoring its effectiveness and the potential for it to be a true knockout pitch when located. The slider sits at 50, offering a competent secondary breaking option. The changeup is a 45, and the control is a 45, indicating the biggest hurdle is command. The overall future value sits at 45, acknowledging that while Montesa’s raw stuff is compelling, the path to becoming an impact starter involves refining his control, potentially unlocking a bullpen-ready ceiling if the command never fully comes around.