Rafael Montero will remain with the Houston Astros a little longer after signing a $34.5 million three-year contract with the team. This comes after the 32-year-old reliever won the World Series title in his first season with the team.
Aside from lifting the coveted World Series trophy, Montero also delivered a strong individual performance during his first season with the Astros, posting a 2.37 ERA in 68⅓ innings and allowing just three home runs while striking out 73.
Montero joined the Astros in a July 2021 trade from the Seattle Mariners. With a fastball that averaged 96.5 mph, Montero was a top target for several major league teams, particularly once he became available in free agency.
While Moreno proved himself to be a talented pitcher prior to his arrival in Houston, his new contract is more of a bet on him due to his performance last season than his career overall, with his latest season proving to be his best.
The contract with Montero bolsters and already-stacked Astros bullpen, which includes closer Ryan Pressly, Ryne Stanek, Bryan Abreu, Hector Neris, and Phil Maton.
