Keider Montero DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

According to Jason Beck of MLB.com, Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher Keider Montero could be deployed out of the rotation and the bullpen during the 2025 season. Beck noted that while Montero will report to camp as a starter, but he may find a role in the bullpen, given the recent signing of Jack Flaherty. With Flaherty, Tarik Skubal, Reese Olson, and Alex Cobb penciled into the rotation, that leaves just one spot for Montero and several other arms, such as top prospect Jackson Jobe, Matt Manning, Casey Mize, and Kenta Maeda. Last season, Montero posted a 4.76 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP across 98 1/3 innings. He struck out 77 batters and held a modest 7.7 percent walk rate. Under the hood, he generated a poor 5.24 xERA, which suggests he may face some regression this season. Montero should only be targeted in deeper AL-only formats if given a spot start during the season.

Detroit Tigers rookie right-hander Keider Montero will take the ball for Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday at Comerica Park against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians with the series tied one game apiece. In his first MLB season in 2024, Montero went 6-6 with a 4.76 ERA (5.15 FIP) and 1.33 WHIP with 77 strikeouts and 31 walks in 98 1/3 innings pitched over 19 appearances (16 starts). His playoff debut came in Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday out of the bullpen, when he tossed two scoreless innings while walking none and striking out three. Montero started against Cleveland back on July 8 in Detroit and tossed 6 1/3 shutout innings on three hits while walking one and striking out four. However, Montero hasn't started since Sept. 25 and is likely to have a very short leash in this pivotal game against the Guardians.

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Keider Montero was on his game in Tuesday's 11-0 win over the Rockies. Montero took advantage of a favorable matchup inside his home park, tossing a complete-game shutout with three hits, no walks, and five strikeouts. The 24-year-old's season numbers leave something to be desired but he has pitched better in the second half. Specifically, he has gone 4-2 with a 3.69 ERA in eight starts from August onward. He will face a much tougher matchup in his next start against the Orioles. While he has pitched better, fantasy managers may not want to risk starting him in such a tough matchup so deep into the season.