It has not exactly been a resounding success since the Astros re-signed 32-year-old reliever Rafael Montero in free agency. The deal is for three years, $34.5 million.
In the first season, Montero is underperforming. Seven Astros relievers rank higher than Montero in fWAR (wins above replacement) and and six relievers are better in xFIP (expected fielding independent pitching).
In Tuesday night's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, Montero matched a season-high of four runs allowed in one inning of relief. It was the second outing this month in which Montero surrendered four runs.
On Payne & Pendergast, Seth Payne and Sean Pendergast discuss the performance and Astros legend Jeff Bagwell commenting on Montero's struggles. Bagwell, if you remember, was influential in the Astros' early off-season moves after the team parted ways with former general manager James Click.