The Detroit Tigers make a move on the even of the trade deadline to bolster the bullpen. The trade will involve sending their minor league shortstop Jim Jarvis to Atlanta in exchange for right-handed pitcher Rafael Montero. Montero is an 11 year vet who enjoyed a career year back in 2022 with the Houston Astros. In 71 appearances he finished with 14 saves and a 2.37 ERA.

Montero is equipped with a 4 pitch mix but primarily utilizes his fastball and splitter. He’s done an excellent job of forcing hitters to chase outside of the zone causing a high whiff rate. The dynamic combo pitches hasn’t come without some pitfall as he has struggled with walking hitters at times. If he can find better command of his pitches, he could be an effective high leverage arm down the stretch. He’s struck out batters at a slightly above average clip and has managed to keep the ball on the ground for the most part.

The Detroit Tigers acquired RP Rafael Montero from the Atlanta Braves.

Montero has a 5.40 ERA in 38.1 IP. Here he is back in 2022, where he had a 2.37 ERA over 68.1 IP.

The potential is there.pic.twitter.com/TKaxTgeyKZ

— DataBase Hit (@DatabaseHit) July 31, 2025

Montero brings a veteran presence to a bullpen that lacks players who have lengthy periods of success at the Major League level. Although the bullpen was one of Detroit’s strong-suits, many of the pitchers they leaned on last year are injured or have digressed back down to a more realistic level of play. The 34 year old vet has appeared in 17 playoffs games, and his statistics include a 2.51 ERA and 18 punch-outs. He contributed to a combined no hitter, throwing one scoreless inning in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series.

The Tiger’s bring back good value without having to part ways with a Top 20 prospect in their system. They are likely still in the hunt for a sturdier high leverage arm, but acquisition is a good start in the right direction. Montero is in the final year of his deal and will be a Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of the season.