As the Houston Astros gear up for the final stretch of the MLB season, one of the most exciting developments is the potential comeback of Rafael Montero. With MLB clubs expanding their rosters from 26 to 28 players starting Sunday, the Astros have an opportunity to add another pitcher to their roster. The choice is clear: Rafael Montero, the experienced reliever, seems primed for a return to the big leagues.
Contract and Expectations
Montero is currently in the second year of a three-year, $34.5 million contract he signed after helping the Astros secure a World Series title in 2022. The Astros have already seen their fair share of “dead money” this season, particularly with the $30 million owed to first baseman José Abreu following his release. However, Montero’s recent performances indicate that he may be on an upward trajectory, justifying his hefty contract.
Struggles and Assignment
The 33-year-old reliever faced significant challenges earlier in the season. By the end of July, Montero was designated for assignment after posting a 4.70 ERA over 38 1/3 innings in 41 appearances. His struggles were particularly pronounced in high-leverage situations, where opponents were batting .297 against him. Additionally, Montero was averaging only 5.4 strikeouts per nine innings, a concerning figure for a reliever of his caliber.
Given these struggles, the expectation was that Montero would use his time in the minor leagues to refine his game. Specifically, there was hope that he would increase the usage of his slider, a pitch that had seen a decrease in frequency from 11% in 2022 to just 7% in 2024.
Minor League Success
Montero accepted his assignment and went to work with the Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys. The results have been nothing short of impressive. Over six innings in six appearances, Montero has maintained a perfect 0.00 ERA, giving up just three hits while striking out 13 batters and walking only one. His opponents have managed a meager .134 batting average against him, showcasing his renewed dominance on the mound.
Astros manager Joe Espada noted the positive changes in Montero’s approach. “He’s been throwing the ball well,” Espada said on Aug. 21. “We asked him to work more on his slider and changeups, and he’s doing that. He’s had some really good outings. That’s encouraging to see.”
The Competition: Forrest Whitley
While Montero is the frontrunner for the additional pitching spot, another option is Forrest Whitley, a former first-round pick who made his MLB debut this season. Whitley has also had a strong season, posting a 2.60 ERA over 27 2/3 innings. However, given Montero’s recent resurgence and his experience in high-pressure situations, he appears to be the more logical choice for the Astros as they push toward the postseason.
The Path Forward
For the Astros, Montero’s potential return to form could be a game-changer. If he can replicate his 2022 performance—where he allowed only two runs over 9 1/3 innings during the Astros’ World Series run—his presence will undoubtedly strengthen the Astros’ bullpen. As the team to defend their title, having a reliable and experienced reliever like Montero could make all the difference.