Rafael Montero is heading to Atlanta after being traded by the Houston Astros. The right-handed reliever, along with some cash considerations, was exchanged for a player to be named later. This move helps the Astros clear some salary from their payroll.
Before the trade, Montero had a mixed start to the 2025 season. He pitched four innings with a 4.50 ERA and recorded five strikeouts. The 34-year-old is in the final year of a three-year, $34.5 million contract he signed with Houston in the 2022 offseason. Since that deal, he has struggled, posting a 4.92 ERA over 109 ⅔ innings.
Montero’s journey with the Astros included a significant role in their 2022 World Series victory. He was effective in the postseason, boasting a 2.51 ERA and a .143 batting average against in 15 appearances. However, his performance declined after that, leading to his designation for assignment last August. He opted to go to Triple-A Sugar Land instead of leaving the organization.
The Astros had been trying to trade Montero during the offseason but were unable to find a taker until now. This trade marks Montero’s fifth team in his major league career, having started with the New York Mets. He signed with the Mets as an international free agent in 2011 and made his major league debut in 2014 against the Yankees. During his time with the Mets, he posted a 5.38 ERA with 189 strikeouts over four seasons.
To fill Montero’s spot on the active roster, the Astros recalled left-handed pitcher Bennett Sousa from Triple-A. As Montero joins the Braves, fans will be watching closely to see if he can regain his form in a new environment.