TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees are setting up an open competition for several spots at the back end of their bullpen, bringing in another contender Friday by signing right-hander Rafael Montero to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
Montero, 35, pitched for the Astros, Braves and Tigers last season, combining for a 1-2 record with a 4.48 ERA across 59 appearances. In 60 1/3 innings, Montero permitted 42 hits with 37 walks and 58 strikeouts.
He began the year with Houston before being traded to Atlanta for right-hander Patrick Halligan on April 8. Montero was on the move again ahead of the Trade Deadline in late July, shipped to Detroit for infielder Jim Jarvis.
Montero has also pitched for the Mets (2014-17), Rangers ('19-20) and Mariners ('21) in his Major League career, going 23-30 with 30 saves and a 4.68 ERA in 380 career games (30 starts). He won a World Series with the Astros in '22.
The Yankees’ bullpen projects to be anchored by closer David Bednar, with Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz and Tim Hill slotted for high-leverage situations.
With Paul Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough set for multi-inning roles, Montero could join a mix that includes Jake Bird, Cade Winquest (ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Yanks' No. 26 prospect), Brent Headrick, Angel Chivilli and others.