Rafael Montero #48 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on September 25, 2020 in Arlington, Texas.
The Seattle Mariners bolstered their bullpen on Tuesday by acquiring right-handed reliever Rafael Montero from the Texas Rangers.
The 30-year-old Montero was the Rangers closer for most of last season after Jose Leclerc was sidelined for the season due to a right shoulder injury after just two appearances. Montero appeared in 17 games and was 8-for-8 in save situations. Montero was 0-1 with a 4.08 ERA.
Montero should be a significant boost to Seattle's bullpen that was among the worst in the American League last season.
"Rafael is a solid addition to our ongoing efforts to fortify the bullpen," Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a statement. "We see his outstanding stuff and quality performance since converting to a full-time reliever as impactful in our bullpen."
Seattle sent 17-year-old right-handed pitching prospect Jose Corniell and a player to be named to the Rangers for Montero.
Montero spent two seasons in Texas, entirely as a reliever. Prior to his time in Texas, Montero spent parts of four seasons with the New York Mets as a starter and reliever. Montero appeared in 58 games with the Mets and had 30 starts. He 6-16 with a 5.38 ERA during his time in New York.
