Yankees Sign Veteran Reliever Rafael Montero to Minor League Deal

Montero, 35, will compete for a bullpen spot in Yankees' Spring Training

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The New York Yankees have signed veteran right-handed reliever Rafael Montero to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Montero, 35, split the 2025 season between the Astros, Braves, and Tigers, posting a 4.48 ERA over 60.1 innings. He will compete for a spot in the Yankees' bullpen, which has a few open spots depending on the status of recent waiver claims and Rule 5 picks.

Why it matters

The Yankees are looking to bolster their bullpen depth after a disappointing 2025 season, and Montero provides an experienced arm with a history of major league success, including a key setup role for the Astros in 2022. His addition to the Spring Training roster gives the Yankees more options to consider for their Opening Day roster.

The details

Montero, who is represented by ISE Baseball, will earn a $1.8 million base salary if he makes the Yankees' major league roster. He spent 2025 with three different teams - the Astros, Braves, and Tigers - posting a 4.48 ERA over 60.1 innings. While he had a solid strikeout rate of 23%, Montero struggled with his control, walking nearly 15% of batters faced. The right-hander sits around 95 mph with his fastball and added a splitter last year that became his primary pitch, especially against left-handed hitters.

  • Montero signed his minor league deal with the Yankees on February 13, 2026.

The players

Rafael Montero

A 35-year-old right-handed relief pitcher who has spent parts of the last six seasons in the major leagues, most recently with the Astros, Braves, and Tigers in 2025.

New York Yankees

A professional baseball team based in the Bronx, New York that competes in Major League Baseball's American League East division.

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What they’re saying

“The deal comes with a $1.8MM base salary if the ISE Baseball client makes the MLB roster.”

— Héctor Gómez (mlbtraderumors.com)

What’s next

Montero will compete for a spot in the Yankees' bullpen during Spring Training, with a few open roster spots available depending on the status of recent waiver claims and Rule 5 picks. He has opt-out clauses in his contract that allow him to become a free agent at various points before and during the 2026 season if he does not make the major league roster.

The takeaway

The addition of Montero gives the Yankees another experienced bullpen option as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season. While Montero has had control issues at times, his ability to miss bats and his previous success as a setup man make him an intriguing low-risk, high-upside signing for the Yankees as they aim to strengthen their relief corps.