The decision to give relief pitcher Rafael Montero a three-year, $34.5 million contract during the 2022-23 offseason, shortly after the Astros’ World Series win, always seemed a bit unusual. Montero had an impressive season prior, with a 2.37 ERA in 71 appearances, but his career had been marked by inconsistency and injuries as a set-up man.
Despite his heroics in the MLB postseason, where he allowed just two runs in 10 appearances and pitched in four of the team’s six World Series games, the commitment to Montero seemed excessive. Now, the Astros have decided to end the commitment, designating Montero for assignment after acquiring pitchers Yusei Kikuchi and Caleb Ferguson at the trade deadline, even though they are still responsible for his contract.
Montero’s performance had declined, with a 4.70 ERA over 41 appearances and nearly as many walks (19) as strikeouts (23), indicating a loss of effectiveness in his four-seam fastball. His previous season’s ERA was even higher at 5.08, although his strikeout numbers (79 in 67 innings) were more consistent with those of a top-tier reliever.
It became evident that whatever was troubling him this season was not going to be resolved.
The Astros Struggle to Stay Afloat in AL West Race.
The decision to part ways with Rafael Montero underscores what has been a peculiar trade deadline week for the Astros. Determined to stay competitive in the AL West and secure a ninth consecutive postseason appearance—the longest current streak in MLB—Houston approached the end of July with urgency.
With a 56-52 record, the Astros were in a tight race with the Mariners (57-53) for the division lead.
While the Mariners focused on strengthening their offense, which had been lagging behind their dominant pitching staff, the Astros sought to add rotation depth to a pitching staff hampered by injuries but still in the playoff hunt.
The market was flush with hitters, and the Mariners capitalized by acquiring top talents like slugger Justin Turner and outfielder Randy Arozarena. However, pitching was scarce.
The Astros paid a steep price to acquire Yusei Kikuchi, who was 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA for Toronto this season. In exchange, they parted with Joey Loperfido, their No. 5 prospect according to Baseball America, pitcher Jake Bloss (No. 2 on the preseason list), and infielder Will Wagner, who was hitting .307 at Triple-A.
Kikuchi will be a free agent after the season, meaning the Astros essentially gave up three prospects, including two of their best, for two months of a pitcher who might struggle in Houston.
However, there may be a silver lining in shedding Montero’s contract. If he isn’t picked up by another team, he could remain in the organization at Triple-A.
Montero will be replaced in the bullpen by lefty Caleb Ferguson, who had a 1-3 record with a 5.13 ERA in 42 games with the Yankees this season.
Both Kikuchi and Ferguson come with risks, but GM Dana Brown expressed satisfaction with how the deadline unfolded.
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