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Astros former reliever Rafael Montero
The New York Yankees are preparing for the official start of spring training, which is very close. The first Grapefruit League games are February 20, and teams across MLB are getting their rosters together before the action gets underway.
On Thursday, according to Jon Heyman, the Yankees are signing former Houston Astros World Series Champion reliever Rafael Montero to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring camp. Montero spent his 2025 season with three teams (Astros, Braves, and Tigers).
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Yankees Sign Rafael Montero
Joel Sherman believes the deal can reach $1.85 million if Montero pitches for enough time in the majors.
Rafael Montero posted a 4.48 ERA last season over 60+ innings with three clubs. In 20 games with Detroit last year, Montero posted a 2.86 ERA and was pretty effective for the Tigers down the stretch.
However, Montero’s season ERA is inflated for the ’25 campaign due to his time with the Atlanta Braves. He posted a 5.50 earned run average with Atlanta over 36 appearances.
GettyAstros former reliever Rafael Montero
Montero came up with the Mets, where he spent four seasons. He then earned a World Series ring with the Astros in 2022 before fizzling out with them due to a rough last two seasons.
The Yankees are getting an 11-year MLB veteran pitcher in Rafael Montero, who is 35, and the Yankees will serve as his seventh organization.
New York might have a little bit of a bullpen competition heading into 2026 due to losing Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, but Montero will likely have to earn his keep if he wants to stick around with the Yankees organization.
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Other Yankees Spring Training Notes
The New York Yankees are heading into spring training well aware that starters Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt will miss Opening Day.
On Wednesday, Aaron Boone said that Gerrit Cole could see some time on the mound before spring training is over. Cole and Schmidt are both recovering from elbow reconstruction surgery.
Cam Schlittler popped into camp laboring a bit and will not throw for a couple of days. But it doesn’t seem to be a serious issue at the moment.
As for Montero, if the Yankees incur any sort of lengthy injuries from any of their bullpen arms, he has a pretty good shot of seeing some meaningful innings, but it’s unclear if that’s a good or bad thing, given Montero’s shaky stats in recent seasons.
The Yankees’ first spring training game is Feb. 21.
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