One of the best relief pitchers is now officially off the market after the Houston Astros re-signed Rafael Montero to a three-year, $34.5-million contract. The deal was first reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Montero has opted to return to Houston after enjoying an impressive 2022 season, playing a key role in the Astros winning the World Series in six games over the Philadelphia Phillies. Montero thrived last year, posting a 2.37 ERA with 73 strikeouts and 14 saves. He also had a 1.3 WAR and a 1.024 WHIP.

The righty was nails in the World Series against the Phillies, pitching to a 2.25 ERA in four games, striking out four, and giving up just one earned run via two hits. He finished the postseason with a 1.93 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 9 1/3innings, allowing just two runs. He was one of four pitchers to combine for a no-hitter in the Game 4 win over the Phillies.

As a result, the Astros have paid Montero the big money in order to keep their stellar bullpen intact. It currently consists of Ryan Pressly, Ryne Stanek, Bryan Abreu, Hector Neris and Phil Maton, all of which are set to return for the 2023 season.

Montero began his MLB career with the Mets in 2014 and pitched to a 5.38 ERA in 192 1/3 innings over five years. The reliever was then dealt to the Texas Rangers where he boasted a 3.09 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 39 games, before spending a year with the Seattle Mariners. Montero was acquired by the Astros in a July 2021 trade and he impressed with a filthy fastball that averaged 96.5 MPH.

The fastball proved to be a lethal weapon once again in 2022 as Montero leaned on it 45.6% of the time, averaging 96.4 MPH with a 35.1 whiff rate. The 32-year-old also had a ground ball rate of greater than 50%.

As a result of his dominant season, coupled with his heroics in the playoffs, Montero entered free agency as one of the best relievers available behind the Mets’ Edwin Díaz, and he has now got his money thanks to the team that has helped him realize his full potential.

Not to mention, this deal also makes the Díaz extension look that much better.