The Yankees have signed veteran reliever Rafael Montero to a minor league contract, with an invite to Spring Training. The deal, reported by Héctor Gómez, includes a $1.8MM base salary if Montero makes the MLB roster. Montero, a 35-year-old right-hander, had a decent ERA in Detroit but raised concerns with his underlying statistics throughout the season. He combined for a 4.48 ERA in 60 1/3 innings, with a high strikeout rate and a lot of walks. Montero's performance has been inconsistent over the past three seasons, with a 4.77 ERA over 166 innings. The Yankees may have a few bullpen spots available, but the team's Rule 5 pick, Cade Winquest, and recent waiver pickup, Osvaldo Bido, are uncertain. Montero, as an Article XX(b) free agent, has automatic opt-out dates under the collective bargaining agreement, allowing him to trigger an out clause five days before Opening Day, on May 1, or on June 1. If he does, the Yankees would have two days to either promote him or grant him his release.
