Jeff Passan broke Astros news on Instagram and fans are furious
MLB insider Jeff Passan stepped outside the Twitter algorithm to make a big announcement involving the Houston Astros and Rafael Montero, upsetting fans.
Sports journalists are doing their best to navigate the downfall of Twitter, an information-sharing platform that has empowered journalists, activists and thought leaders for more than a decade.
During the platform’s public demise, many journalists have reminded followers that they can be found on other websites and social media platforms. For an MLB insider that frequently breaks news, it’s been a challenge for Jeff Passan, who has apparently taken to Instagram to share the latest news on the future of Rafael Montero.
Breaking news over on my Instagram: Rafael Montero, one of the best relief pitchers on the market, has agreed to a free agent deal. Check out @JeffPassan on Instagram for details on the team and the expected length and dollars of the contract: https://t.co/k9vubJvueC
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 12, 2022
“I think it’s time to start breaking some news on Instagram, too. So follow me here for the latest free agent signings and trades,” Passan wrote on his Instagram post.
Then, Passan reveals that the Houston Astros and Rafael Montero are “in agreement on a three-year, $34.5 million contract,” according to ESPN sources.
As annoying as it may have been for Twitter users to feel baited into following Passan on Instagram, there’s good reasoning for it, at least from Passan’s perspective. If Twitter falls apart in the imminent future, at least everyone will know where to stay tuned for the latest MLB news.
I have no idea if Twitter is going to be around today, tomorrow, next week, next year.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 12, 2022
I love everyone here and want them to know that there's a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency plan.
Rafael Montero is going back to the Astros for three years and $34.5 million, you monsters.
MLB Twitter flames Jeff Passan for trying to bring followers to his Instagram
MLB Twitter took joy in picking on Passan for trying to make the switch to Instagram while Twitter is still available.
(It’s not)
— Brandon Warne (@Brandon_Warne) November 12, 2022
cool post bro
— Matt Monagan (@MattMonagan) November 12, 2022
Bro just tell us here
— . (@UtMadden) November 12, 2022
https://twitter.com/bryanz/status/1591470820345647105?s=20&t=EjXJz2KnyQzjvy2tOFPHPQ
Shameless plug love it
— Jason Moore (@laneman24) November 12, 2022
— Brooks Doherty (@Brooks_Doherty) November 12, 2022
MLB journalists such as Jon Heyman and Mark Berman credited Passan for the scoop, tweeting out the details themselves — because that’s exactly what many Twitter users sought instead of clicking Passan’s Instagram link.
Rafael Montero back to Astros. $34.5M/3. @JeffPassan had it. I’m “late”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 12, 2022
Rafael Montero is re-signing with the Astros after agreeing to a three-year deal worth $34.5 million according to @JeffPassan .
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) November 12, 2022
Aside from the Passan news, it’s a wonderful development for Montero, a reliever who had the best brought out in him by Astros manager Dusty Baker.
Rafael Montero, originally DFA’d by the Mariners and thrown into a trade to Houston, is back on a 3-year deal worth $34.5M.
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) November 12, 2022
That is an AAV of $11.5M per year, which is 5th highest on the Astros. He is now the 2nd highest paid reliever on the team, under Pressly who makes $15M
Some positivity: Rafael Montero grew up in the Dominican and was in danger of his career ending with less than $2M in career earnings in 2019. Now he has generational wealth for his family. pic.twitter.com/dliymhIAIz
— Mike Mitchell (@MikeMitchNH) November 12, 2022
Passan may have split the clicks on his scoop, but it could be a positive development for his news career as the Twitter landscape shifts for journalists everywhere.
Next. Braves: 3 free agents to sign and 1 to avoid this MLB offseason. dark