Rafael Montero is no longer with the big league club.Composite Getty Image.
Coming off the trade deadline, we thought the Astros news cycle might slow down a bit. Clearly, that is not the case, as the Houston Astros DFA'd relief pitcher Rafael Montero on Wednesday afternoon.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES:
The Astros two trade acquisitions, LHP Yusei Kikuchi (#16) and LHP Caleb Ferguson (#64), have both reported to the club’s active roster.
To make room for the two, the Astros optioned RHP Seth Martinez to Triple A Sugar Land after last night’s game.…
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 31, 2024
Montero was the last reminder of an offseason in which Astros owner Jim Crane had a hands-on approach to free agency after parting ways with GM James Click after the 2022 World Series.
Jose Abreu (3-year, $58,500,000) also signed with the Astros that offseason, and was released earlier this year.
After recording a 2.37 ERA in 2022, which earned him a 3-year, $34,500,000 contract extension, Montero has struggled the last two seasons. He posted a 5.08 ERA in 2023, and a 4.70 ERA in 2024.
Houston hopes newly acquired reliever Caleb Ferguson can give the bullpen a boost as they approach the final stretch of the season.
In the meantime, Astros GM Dana Brown hopes Montero accepts the demotion to Sugar Land.
Dana Brown says they hope Montero accepts the assignment, and goes down to Sugar Land and fixes the issues.
He’ll have a few days to talk it over. https://t.co/kLjxeeVNkD
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) July 31, 2024
How Rockets' latest financial gambles shake up the team and its future
Oct 22, 2024, 3:10 pm
Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun both agreed to contract extensions with the Houston Rockets, a person with knowledge of the details said Monday.
Green, agreed to a three-year, $106 million extension. Sengun, agreed to five-year, $185 million extension.
Did GM Rafael Stone negotiate good deals from a team perspective?
Don't miss the video above as ESPN Houston's Jeremy Branham and Joel Blank react to the news, and examine if the Rockets made the right call in locking up their young talent.