March 1, 2021 1:30 PM : Montero, whose arrival at spring training was delayed due to a visa issue, is already throwing bullpens and will face hitters in the coming days, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: The hard-throwing right-hander was acquired from the Rangers on Dec. 15 and is expected to have a prominent bullpen role after going 8-for-8 in save chances in Texas during the 2020 campaign. Montero, who logged 18 starts for the Mets back in 2017, proved much more effective as a reliever the last two seasons and enters spring training as the Mariners' presumptive closer, given his recent body of work, demeanor and mid-90s fastball. "That ball comes out hot," manager Scott Servais said. "It's really easy, and he is as advertised -- his level-headed and just cool kind of attitude about him on the mound. He's very confident."