Seattle Mariners begin bullpen overhaul with trade
The Seattle Mariners have begun their bullpen overhaul as they have acquired Rafael Montero from the Texas Rangers.
It was a matter of time before the Seattle Mariners made a deal or three. General manager Jerry Dipoto stressed that the team wanted to upgrade their bullpen as part of their quest to return to the postseason. As this is the same person that made a deal while in the hospital, Dipoto would not rest until he found a trade he liked.
He struck on Tuesday afternoon. In what is likely to be the first of several moves to address the Mariners’ bullpen, he acquired Rafael Montero from the Rangers in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers.
Another trade for the Rangers, who have been very busy: Right-handed reliever Rafael Montero is headed to the Seattle Mariners, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 15, 2020
Seattle is trying to rebuild a bullpen that was worst in the AL. They've hit free agent RP up, too. One possibility: Blake Treinen.
In exchange, the Rangers are getting pitching prospect Jose Corniell and a player to be named later. Corniell is a 17 year old who has yet to make his professional debut due to the minor league season shut down, but is considered to have a solid three pitch mix including a mid 90s fastball and a power curve.
More Mariners. King Felix not done yet. light
A one time top prospect, Montero failed to develop as the Mets had hoped. Injuries and being constantly shuffled between the majors and minors hindered his career, with the Mets eventually letting him go after he missed the 2018 campaign due to Tommy John surgery.
Montero signed with the Rangers, where he moved to a full time relief role. That move not only unlocked his dormant potential, but also led to an increase in velocity. He eventually emerged as the Rangers’ closer last season, posting a combined 3.09 ERA and a 0.986 WHiP in his 46.2 innings, striking out 53 batters with 11 walks.
At this point, Montero is presumably the favorite to take over the ninth inning, at least for the start of the year. Andres Munoz, the theoretical closer of the future, will likely be back from his own Tommy John surgery at some point in 2021. However, regardless of his role, Montero makes the Mariners’ bullpen better.
Next. Three free agent targets for Mariners. dark
The Seattle Mariners have broken out of their quiet offseason as they have acquired Rafael Montero. This may be the first of several moves to upgrade their bullpen.