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.
"There's some things we really like that he was doing last year," manager Aaron Boone said. "Maybe there's some small adjustments we can make to help him. Hopefully he can push himself into the mix."
Montero 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.
He also has 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.
"I've talked about our pitching depth, all the way from the starters to non-roster invitees to 40-man guys pushing for a real opportunity," Boone said. "I do feel like we have a lot of good choices."