The Braves’ decision to move Rafael Montero looks even smarter as infielder Jim Jarvis impresses with key swing adjustments in the Arizona Fall League.
Addition by subtraction: Braves’ Montero trade looks even smarter as Jim Jarvis shines in AFL
There is such a thing as addition by subtraction, and when the Atlanta Braves traded Rafael Montero at the deadline, that phrase fit perfectly.
When the Braves acquired Montero from Houston early in the season, the hope was that a change of scenery might rekindle his 2022 form and stabilize Atlanta’s bullpen. That never materialized.
In 36 appearances, Montero posted a 5.50 ERA, often undone by erratic command and a series of high-leverage meltdowns that cost the Braves critical games. He wasn’t the only reason Atlanta stumbled in 2025, but he was one of the more glaring disappointments — and few fans missed him when he was gone.
Jim Jarvis making the trade look even better
Montero landed on his feet with Detroit, pitching surprisingly well for the Tigers, but Atlanta may still come out ahead. The return, infielder Jim Jarvis, is turning heads in the Arizona Fall League with noticeable adjustments at the plate.
Jarvis wasn’t considered a high-end prospect when he was included in the deal — his .706 OPS at Double-A Erie before a freak HBP injury (a pitch in the dirt that ricocheted into his face) didn’t exactly scream “hidden gem.”
But after using that downtime to retool his swing and address a steep ground-ball rate, Jarvis has started to show signs of real progress. Reports from the AFL say he’s driving the ball with more lift — and after swapping bats with fellow Braves prospect Patrick Clohisy, he recently connected for his first home run in months.
Braves’ low-risk, high-reward win
Even if Jarvis only develops into a versatile organizational piece, the trade is already a success. Shedding Montero’s salary and inconsistency was a win on its own.
Now, if Jarvis continues to trend upward in the AFL, the Braves may have quietly turned a failed bullpen experiment into a minor league development success story.
