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Yankees Sign Rafael Montero to Minor-League Deal With Spring Invite

The 35-year-old offers swing-and-miss stuff with command concerns in a crowded race for late-inning roles.

Overview

  • The right-hander agreed to a minor-league contract with a Major League Spring Training invite, earning a $1.8 million base salary if he makes the roster plus up to $500,000 in bonuses.
  • As an Article XX(b) free agent, Montero holds opt-out rights five days before Opening Day, on May 1, and on June 1 if he is not on the MLB roster.
  • He split 2025 with the Astros, Braves and Tigers, posting a 4.48 ERA over 60 1/3 innings with 58 strikeouts and 37 walks, and his lone postseason outing for Detroit produced no outs.
  • Montero features a mid‑90s fastball and a splitter that became his primary pitch, generating strong chase and whiff rates alongside one of last season’s higher walk rates.
  • He joins an open bullpen competition headlined by David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz and Tim Hill, with depth options such as Ryan Yarbrough, Paul Blackburn and Rule 5 pick Cade Winquest; Héctor Gómez first reported the agreement.