Astros, Montero agree to 3-year, $34.5M deal

The Houston Astros are keeping a key bullpen piece in the fold after agreeing to a three-year, $34.5-million contract with right-hander Rafael Montero, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The 32-year-old emerged as a trusted option for manager Dusty Baker in 2022, helping the Astros win the World Series.

Houston acquired Montero in a trade with the Seattle Mariners in July 2021. The veteran hurler put together a career year in 2022, posting a 5-2 record with a 2.37 ERA, 14 saves, and 73 strikeouts across 68 1/3 innings.

Montero played a vital role in the Astros' bullpen dominance during their run to the World Series. He appeared in 10 postseason games, racking up 10 strikeouts with a sparkling 1.93 ERA.

Re-signing Montero is Houston's first big offseason move after the organization parted ways with general manager James Click on Friday.