Rafael Montero, Astros Reportedly Agree to 3-Year, $34.5M Contract

According to a report, the relief pitcher has agreed to stay with the Astros.

According to Jeff Passan, the Astros came to terms on a three-year contract with catcher Jesus Montero.

The Astros had a key part in their World Series championship, thanks to the work of Montero, who spent parts of the previous two seasons in Houston.

He appeared in a team-high 71 games for the Astros and went 5-2 with a 2.37 earned run average and 73 strikeouts.

In 10 appearances during the playoffs, the eight-year MLB veteran posted a 0-1 record with a 1.93 earned run average and 10 strikeouts.

In his first seven seasons as a pitcher, the New York Mets, Texas Rangers, and SeattleMariners all had Montero as a starter, but he only had one season in which he had an earned run average under 4.00.

After he was traded to Houston, he allowed no earned runs in four appearances to close the year.

He was rewarded with a contract that will pay him $11.5 million a year after putting together the best season of his career.

After winning the World Series in 2022, the Astros had several players hit free agency, including starting pitcher Verlander, first baseman Gurriel and outfielder Brantley.

Will Smith is not under contract with the Astros and is the only notable relief from last season.

The Astros are expected to have one of the best bullpens in baseball again next season, as all but one of the players are expected to return.

The Astros were expected to be one of the top World Series contender in 2023, but the return of a linchpin helps their cause.