The Atlanta Braves' acquisition of Rafael Montero from the Houston Astros is quickly shaping up to be a major disappointment. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos's failure to bolster the bullpen during the offseason has come back to haunt the team, and the Montero trade, intended as a quick fix, has only exacerbated the issue.
Montero, who enjoyed a stellar 2022 season with the Astros, boasting a 2.37 ERA and a 161 ERA+, signed a lucrative three-year, $34.5 million contract. However, his performance declined sharply, with a 4.70 ERA in 2023 and a dismal 5.54 ERA in 2024. The Astros were eager to offload his contract, and the Braves, desperate for bullpen help, agreed to a deal on April 8th.
Atlanta assumed approximately $3 million of Montero's salary, but his performance has been far from satisfactory. After a recent outing where he allowed two runs without recording an out, Montero's ERA with the Braves now stands at 5.67. This ranks as the eighth-worst among relievers with at least 30 innings pitched this season, contributing to a -0.5 WAR.
The Braves' bullpen woes stem from losing key players like A.J. Minter in free agency and Joe Jimenez to a potential season-ending injury during the offseason. Instead of addressing these issues proactively, the team opted for a mid-season gamble on Montero, which has backfired spectacularly.
What's Next for the Braves?
The Braves need to seriously evaluate their bullpen strategy. Continuing to rely on Montero in high-leverage situations seems unsustainable. Exploring other trade options or calling up promising prospects from the minor leagues might be necessary to salvage the season. The failure to invest adequately in the bullpen during the offseason has created a significant problem that needs immediate attention.
The Bigger Picture
- Braves' bullpen struggles highlighted
- Rafael Montero's poor performance
- Offseason decisions under scrutiny