Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Lowly Braves Announce Trade With Astros on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 6:51 AM ET

Could a former Houston Astros playoff hero help save the free-falling Atlanta Braves?

We’ll find that out in the coming weeks. Atlanta acquired veteran Astros reliever and former top-70 prospect Rafael Montero in return for a player to be named later on Tuesday night.

The Braves, who have opened the season at a shocking 2-8, also acquired cash. Montero, 34, allowed two runs in four innings.

“They say he’s been throwing the ball well, and he’s got experience,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said, according to the Braves’ official website.

“You get excited when you get a guy like that,” Snitker added. “Hopefully, we can help him get back to where he was.”

Braves reporter Mark Bowman shared that the cash will cover “a majority” of Montero’s $11.5 million salary.

A failed New York Mets prospect, Montero bounced around the majors before reviving his career with the Astros. Montero especially shined in 2022, tallying a 2.37 ERA, 1.2 bWAR, and 14 saves in 71 games and 68.1 innings.

The Astros certainly don’t win the 2022 World Series without Montero, who struck out 10 and allowed only two runs over 9.1 playoff innings.

However, Montero struggled to a 4.94 ERA and -0.4 bWAR across 105.2 innings the last two seasons.

Montero owns a 22-28 record, a 4.71 ERA, and -0.1 bWAR since debuting in 2014.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: