Astros: 5 players who won’t be on the roster by August 1

Astros rumors: Rafael Montero won’t last in the Astros bullpen

The Astros bullpen, as a whole, has been spectacular this season. The bullpen very well may be their biggest strength. They rank in the top five in the MLB in ERA (3.57), hits allowed (241), walks allowed (108) and home runs allowed (28). But even with this combined dominance, their bullpen has glaring holes. In fact, it’s largely being carried by their top-end guys, as the lower-end guys have really struggled in 2023.

One of the players that has struggled, perhaps the most, has been the righty Rafael Montero. Montero currently has a -1.0 WAR and a WHIP near 2.0. His ERA is north of seven and he’s suffered three losses this year. His 2023 season has been downright horrible. The Astros need to make a change before Montero continues to pitch them out of games.

One choice they have is to designate him for assignment, but this isn’t very likely to happen because he’s owed $11.5 million in each of the next two years following 2023. The Astros are going to need to package Montero with a prospect or two in order to get another team to take on his horrible contract. Whatever happens, one thing is certain. The Astros will acquire bullpen arms at the deadline and Rafael Montero is almost certain to go.