In a surprising move, right-handed reliever Rafael Montero has been traded from the Houston Astros to the Atlanta Braves. The deal, which sees Montero leave Houston after a rocky stint, includes a player to be named later and cash considerations heading to the Astros in return. This trade marks a pivotal moment for the Astros, who are freeing up payroll space by offloading Montero’s contract. The 34-year-old reliever is in the final year of a lucrative three-year, $34.5 million deal that he signed with Houston back in 2022.
Montero’s journey with the Astros has been far from smooth. After joining the team with high hopes, his tenure has been marked by inconsistent performances. In 2023, he struggled with a 5.08 ERA over 68 appearances, and his performance continued to slide in 2024, as he posted a 4.70 ERA in 41 games. These struggles led to Montero being designated for assignment in July 2024, after which he spent time in Triple-A Sugar Land, where he showed glimpses of improvement with a solid 2.20 ERA over 17 appearances.
Despite his recent difficulties, Montero’s legacy with the Astros is not without its bright spots. He played a crucial role in the team’s historic 2022 World Series championship run, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion in the postseason. In fact, Montero posted an impressive 2.51 ERA during the playoffs, earning a significant place in Astros lore for his clutch performances on the mound.
This trade also marks the next chapter in Montero’s career, his fifth MLB team since debuting with the New York Mets in 2014. For the Braves, the addition of Montero could provide a fresh start, with the hope that the veteran reliever can rediscover his form and contribute to their bullpen. For the Astros, the move signals a shift in direction as they focus on future roster flexibility.
As Montero begins this new chapter with the Braves, baseball fans will be watching closely to see if he can recapture the magic that helped him contribute to a World Series title just a few years ago.