Failed Prospects Pt. 14: Jose Malave

I saw Jose Malave play for the Sioux City Explorers in 2003 when they played the Lincoln Saltdogs.  It reminded me of when he was considered a promising prospect in the Red Sox system.  At this point he was 32 years old and had spent all of 45 games in the Major Leagues.

Malave hit more than 20 home runs in consecutive seasons in the Red Sox organization in 1994 and 1995.  He was called up to the Majors in 1996 but struggled.  He hit .235/.257/.382 with four home runs and 17 RBIs in 41 games.  He struck out 25 times versus just two walks.

The next season he again had a good year for Pawtucket which lead to another call-up.  This time he only played in four games without a hit.  By this point, Malave was 26 years old and his days as a prospect were past.  It appeared he would never develop into a Major League player and he was allowed to leave for Japan after the season.

Malave played for several independent and foreign league teams through 2003.  He never made it back to the Majors.