Houston Astros trade polarizing pitcher in surprise move

TRADE ALERT

Astros Rafael Montero
The Astros traded Rafael Montero to Atlanta. Composite Getty Image.

The Braves added to their bullpen depth on Tuesday night by acquiring right-hander Rafael Montero from the Houston Astros along with $7.7 million that will cover just over 70% of his remaining salary.

Atlanta will send the Astros a player to be named.

Montero, 34, has a 4.71 ERA in 11 seasons. Of his 324 career games, only 30 came as a starter, including none since 2017. He allowed two runs and three hits over in four innings this season.

Montero made his major league debut in 2014 with the New York Mets and has pitched the last five seasons for Houston.

Montero is owed $10,696,237 from his $11.5 million salary in the final season of a $34.5 million, three-year contract. Houston will pay Atlanta $3.85 million each on May 1 and July 1.

Astros ownership handed Montero his surprising contract while operating without a general manager following their split with James Click in 2022. The deal sent shockwaves not just through Houston’s fanbase, but across the entire league, reshaping the relief pitching market.

Montero has a 3.81 ERA in 187 games with the Astros. He has 30 career saves, including 14 for Houston in 2022, when he contributed to a World Series championship.

Montero had a 2.51 ERA in 15 postseason games with Houston.

Houston will recall left-hander Bennett Sousa from Triple A Sugar Land to replace Montero on the active roster.

The Braves did not immediately announce a roster move for Montero, who is expected to join the team on Wednesday.

Most Popular

The Texans traded out of the first round. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Texans came into this draft with many anticipating they would trade up to address their need on the offensive line. Instead, the Texans elected to trade back to pick No. 34 after agreeing to a deal with the Giants.

The Texans also receive pick number 99, and a 2026 third-round selection.

When Ohio State's offensive lineman Donovan Jackson and Texas receiver Matthew Golden went off the board right in front of them, the Texans decided to go with a contingency plan, it seems.

We'll have to wait until Friday night to see what the Texans do with their picks.

Most Popular

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM