SEATTLE MARINERS

Mariners trade for Texas Rangers closer Rafael Montero

Dec 15, 2020, 12:31 PM | Updated: Dec 16, 2020, 10:35 am

Mariners Rafael Montero...

Rafael Montero led the Texas Rangers with eight saves in 2020. (Getty)

(Getty)

The Mariners have made what could be one of multiple significant additions to their bullpen for 2021.

Mariners’ Julio Rodríguez leaves winter ball early but healthy

Rafael Montero, who was the Rangers’ closer in 2020, has been acquired by the Mariners for minor league pitcher José Corniell and a player to be named later. News of the deal was broken Tuesday by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, with the team confirming the trade in the afternoon.

Montero, a 30-year-old right-hander, led Texas last season with eight saves, going a perfect 8 for 8 in save opportunities. He finished the year with a 4.08 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 19 strikeouts, six walks and 17 appearances over 17 2/3 innings. His numbers figured out to 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings, a 3.17 strikeouts to walk ratio, and 3.1 walks per nine.

“Rafael is a solid addition to our ongoing efforts to fortify the bullpen,” Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a press release. “We see his outstanding stuff and quality performance since converting to a full-time reliever as impactful in our bullpen.”

Montero has spent the past two seasons with the Rangers after appearing in parts of four seasons with the Mets, who he made his MLB debut for in 2014. He missed 2018 while recovering from Tommy John surgery but had his best season in 2019 with a 2.48 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 34 strikeouts and five walks over 22 appearances (29 innings).

Corniell signed with the Mariners as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2019. He was set to play in the Dominican Summer League in 2020 but has yet to appear in a professional game due to the COVID-19 shutdown.

Passan’s tweet first reporting the Montero trade delved further into Seattle’s plans to add to its bullpen. He reported that the Mariners have talked to Blake Treinen, a free agent who last pitched for the Dodgers and had an All-Star season as Oakland’s closer in 2018.

Shannon Drayer, Mariners insider for 710 ESPN Seattle, followed up that former Angels reliever Keynan Middleton was another name the M’s have interest in – so much so that Seattle announced his signing Wednesday.

The Mariners made two apparent additions to the bullpen last week, taking Will Vest from Detroit in the Rule 5 Draft and reportedly signing Chris Flexen, who was a standout in Korea’s KBO last season.

Follow Brent Stecker on Twitter.

Mariners’ affiliates hit by seismic change to minors in different ways

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Mostly Sunny
High 56° | Low 41°
Roof is open
Red Sox at Mariners today at 6:40pm

Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners Mitch Haniger Dylan Moore...

Brandon Gustafson

Mariners Highs and Lows: What stands out from opening day loss

The Seattle Mariners fell to the Red Sox on opening day, and there were some takeaways – good and bad – to be had from the loss.

5 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Boston Red Sox Tyler O'Neill...

The Associated Press

Mariners drop opener 6-4 as Boston’s O’Neill makes history

Tyler O’Neill homered in his fifth straight opening day game to set a major league record, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 6-4.

5 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Mitch Haniger...

Brandon Gustafson

Welcome Back: Mitch Haniger blasts homer in Mariners return

Mitch Haniger kicked off his return to the Seattle Mariners with a bang, blasting a 2-run home run to right field in his second at-bat.

7 hours ago

Nelson Cruz Seattle Mariners...

Brent Stecker

After throwing out 1st pitch, Nelson Cruz retires as a Mariner

Nelson Cruz threw out the first pitch at Seattle Mariners opening day, then signed a one-day contract to retire with the team.

8 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Julio Rodriguez...

Brandon Gustafson

Mariners Notebook: ‘Consistent pressure’ theme for lineup in 2024

Scott Servais expects big things from the Seattle Mariners' lineup in 2024, as he shared ahead of their opener against the Boston Red Sox.

12 hours ago

Seattle Mariners lineup Julio Rodríguez...

Brent Stecker

See the first Mariners lineup of 2024 for opening day vs Red Sox

The Seattle Mariners' batting order for opening day of the 2024 MLB season against Boston showcases an improved amount of length.

14 hours ago

Mariners trade for Texas Rangers closer Rafael Montero