In a surprising move, the Houston Astros have designated relief pitcher Rafael Montero for assignment, just a year after signing him to a three-year, $36 million contract. This decision came shortly after the trade deadline, as the team made key acquisitions to strengthen their pitching roster.
The Astros recently brought in left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and reliever Caleb Ferguson, prompting the need for roster adjustments. To make space for these new players, the team opted to send Seth Martinez to Triple-A Sugar Land, leaving Montero’s future uncertain. By designating him for assignment, the Astros have seven days to either trade Montero or put him on waivers, where he could be claimed by another team.
Montero’s time with the Astros began with high expectations, as he was signed before the 2023 season to bolster the bullpen. However, his performance did not align with the investment, leading to this unexpected outcome. His annual salary of $11.5 million was part of a deal that now raises questions about the team’s future strategy.
This marks the second notable roster change for the Astros this season. Just last month, they parted ways with José Abreu, also midway through his three-year contract, indicating a willingness to make tough decisions as they aim for a championship run.
With Kikuchi and Ferguson now officially part of the active roster, the Astros are focused on building a competitive team for the remainder of the season. As the organization navigates these changes, fans are left to ponder the impact of these moves on their playoff aspirations.
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