Johan Montero
Johan Montero
Position: RHP
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 187 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 08/26/1999
Country: Venezuela
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2018
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Yes
Minor League Free Agency: 2025
Options Left: 3
Overview
Montero signed just before he turned 19. He throws 94-95 mph, with some projection remaining. He adds a breaking ball with some potential.
2019-21
Montero pitched well in relief in his DSL debut in 2019, usually working in longer stints. He had a 2.57 ERA, but his walk and K rates were just OK. After the pandemic season, he moved up to the FCL in 2021 and pitched 11 times in relief. His ERA was bad at 7.31, but a lot of the damage came in two very bad outings that accounted for ten of the 13 earned runs he allowed. He did have walk problems, with a 5.6 BB/9.
2022-24
In 2022, Montero was in extended spring training until the beginning of May, when the Pirates assigned him to Bradenton. He was one of the team’s most reliable relievers the rest of the season, not dominating but putting up solid numbers with a 9.4 K/9. He was very good in July and August, with a 2.08 ERA over 26 innings.
In 2023, Montero missed the entire season due to injury, then he missed all of 2024 as well. He’ll be eligible for free agency after the 2025 season.
Stats
Transactions
August 13, 2018: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.