It wasn’t that long ago when the Astros re-signed Rafael Montero to a three-year, $34.5 million contract early in the 2022-23 offseason, following a World Series title and James Click’s departure from the organization. Jim Crane’s controversial decision to offer Click only a one-year extension created a void within baseball operations, which likely allowed Montero’s contract offer to come into existence. To be clear, I don’t fault Montero for taking the offer. I would, too. But it was an ill-advised contract at the time for the club and has aged terribly.
The Astros remain responsible for $11.5 million in 2025, the last year of this agreement.