Yanews bring in veteran reliever Rafael Montero on minor league deal

The New York Yankees have added another potential bullpen option by signing veteran reliever Rafael Montero to a minor-league contract. The move, announced Monday, gives the club a low-risk opportunity to evaluate Montero’s effectiveness during spring training and beyond.

Montero, 33, has spent parts of seasons with multiple major-league clubs and will now attempt to earn a spot on the Yankees’ pitching staff. The minor-league pact allows the organization to assess his velocity, command, and overall durability before deciding whether to promote him to the major-league roster.

The Yankees have prioritized bullpen depth this winter, and Montero’s experience could provide valuable insurance against injuries or performance slumps. He will report to the club’s minor-league camp and will compete for an invitation to major-league spring training.