The Yankees are once again dipping into the veteran reliever market, this time bringing in 35-year-old right-hander Rafael Montero to bolster their bullpen ahead of the 2026 season. It’s a savvy depth move by a team with clear October ambitions - low risk, potentially high reward, and right in line with how the Yankees have quietly retooled their relief corps this offseason.
A Proven Arm with Late-Inning Credentials
Montero isn’t just another journeyman arm. He’s a pitcher who’s been in the fire - including a key role on the 2022 World Series-winning Astros - and he’s shown he can thrive in high-leverage spots.
At his best, Montero features a fastball that lives in the mid-to-upper 90s and a splitter that can fall off the table. That combination has made him a strikeout threat throughout his career, and it’s exactly the kind of profile the Yankees like to bet on when shaping their bullpen.
While his results have been inconsistent in recent years, the underlying tools haven’t disappeared. The Yankees are clearly banking on their ability to help Montero tap back into the form that made him a legitimate late-inning weapon in Houston.
This is an organization that’s had success with veteran relievers in the past - often tweaking pitch usage or sequencing to unlock something extra. If Montero buys in, there’s a blueprint here for a bounce-back.
Where He Fits in the Bronx
The Yankees’ bullpen still features top-tier late-inning arms, but depth became an issue late last season. Injuries and heavy workloads exposed some cracks, and the front office clearly took note.
Montero isn’t being brought in to close games, but he doesn’t have to be. What he offers is versatility - a middle-to-late inning option who can bridge the gap to the back end, especially in matchups where strikeouts are at a premium.
His experience against right-handed hitters in pressure situations could be particularly valuable in the AL East, where power bats lurk up and down opposing lineups. And let’s not overlook the postseason factor.
Montero’s been there, pitched in October, and knows what it takes to get outs when the lights are brightest. That matters in a clubhouse where the bar is set at championship or bust.
A Smart, Low-Risk Investment
Financially, this move doesn’t tie the Yankees’ hands. It’s the kind of under-the-radar signing that contenders make to build out the roster before the grind of spring training begins.
If it clicks, Montero could be a key piece in a bullpen that needs reliable innings. If not, the cost is minimal.
The upside lies in Montero’s ability to miss bats and limit damage - two traits that never go out of style in today’s game. If he sharpens his command, particularly with the splitter, and keeps walks in check, there’s a real path to him becoming a trusted option for Aaron Boone.
As camp approaches, Montero will get his shot to prove there’s still plenty left in the tank. For a Yankees team eyeing another deep postseason run, it’s a calculated move that could quietly pay big dividends.