Astros Trade Montero to Braves, Acquire Minor League Pitcher Halligan

HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Astros made a notable trade earlier this week, sending right-hander Rafael Montero and $7.7 million to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor league pitcher Patrick Halligan. The deal, which was officially announced today, includes a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Patrick Halligan, 25, was originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 13th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. During his tenure in the minors from 2021 to 2022, he pitched a total of 85 2/3 innings, accumulating a 5.36 earned run average (ERA). Halligan was released prior to the 2023 season but found a new opportunity when he signed a minor league deal with the Braves.

Since joining the Braves’ organization, Halligan has experienced a significant turnaround, logging 123 1/3 innings with a reduced ERA of 3.72. His walk rate stands at 10.6%, slightly above average, while he boasts an impressive strikeout rate of 27.6% against batters faced, showcasing his potential as a future contributor to a major league bullpen.

In his previous season, Halligan pitched primarily at the Double-A level but also made appearances in Triple-A. Across 50 2/3 innings for the year, he recorded a commendable 3.02 ERA, along with a strikeout rate of 31.6% and a walk rate of 11.8%. Recently, he received honorable mention among top prospects in the Braves’ system, with his effective splitter highlighted as a key asset.

The trade decision comes as a strategic move by the Astros, allowing them to shed Montero’s costly contract, which had become a financial drain. Montero, previously a valuable arm for the team, struggled in recent outings, prompting Houston to seek a trade for several months. By executing this deal, the Astros not only save roughly $3 million but also gain the opportunity to develop Halligan further in their organization.

Montero, who was known for his ability to deliver clutch innings, had a standout performance for the Braves, contributing to a crucial victory shortly after the trade was officially announced. Astros fans and management alike will be watching Halligan’s development closely to see if he can emerge as a reliable option for their pitching staff.