When the Detroit Tigers called up Keider Montero in May 2024, the buzz wasn't about him being the next Tarik Skubal. It was about stability. You've probably seen the box scores by now. He’s the guy who can throw a "Maddux"—a complete game shutout on fewer than 100 pitches—like he did against the Rockies. But if you're looking at keider montero strikeouts per game, you're seeing a weirdly deceptive set of numbers.
Most fans look at a pitcher's K/9 and think they know the whole story. With Montero, that’s a mistake. Honestly, his strikeout numbers are a bit of a moving target because his role in Detroit has been anything but consistent.
The Reality of Keider Montero Strikeouts Per Game
Basically, Montero isn't a "strikeout artist" in the traditional sense. He's not out there hunting for 12 Ks a night like a prime Max Scherzer. In 2024, he finished his rookie campaign with 77 strikeouts over 98.1 innings. If you're doing the math at home, that's roughly 7.1 strikeouts per nine innings.
In 2025, that number stayed remarkably steady. He tallied 72 strikeouts in 90.2 innings, maintaining that same 7.1 K/9 clip. But here is where it gets interesting: his strikeouts per game fluctuate wildly depending on whether A.J. Hinch uses him as a traditional starter or as a "bulk" reliever.
Breaking Down the 2025 Splits
Last season, Montero appeared in 20 games but only started 12 of them. This is the main reason why his "per game" stats look lower than some of his peers.
- As a Starter: He typically hovers around 4 to 5 strikeouts per outing.
- As a Reliever: He often settles for 2 to 3 strikeouts in shorter, high-leverage or bulk-relief appearances.
- The Outlier: On September 27, 2025, against Boston, he fanned 7 batters in just 4.1 innings.
That Boston game was a glimpse of what happens when his slider is actually "on." Usually, he’s pitching to contact more than you’d expect for a guy with a mid-90s heater.
Why the Strikeout Rate Isn't Higher
You’d think a guy throwing 94-95 mph would be missing more bats. According to Statcast data from the 2025 season, Montero’s Whiff% actually dipped to around 18.8%, which is notably below the MLB average.
Hitters are making more contact against him lately. His Zone Contact% climbed to 88.1% last year. Basically, if he throws it in the strike zone, big-league hitters are putting wood on the ball.
The "problem"—if you want to call it that—is the slider. In 2024, his slider was a genuine weapon. By mid-2025, the "bite" on that pitch started to flatten out. When that slider doesn't sweep, it becomes a "hangy" breaking ball that hitters either foul off or drive into the gap. Without that finishing pitch, he can't put hitters away, which keeps his keider montero strikeouts per game numbers stuck in that "average" tier.
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Comparisons and Context
To understand where Montero sits, you have to look at the rest of the Tigers' rotation.
Tarik Skubal is out there leading the league with over 240 strikeouts, sporting a K/9 well over 11.0.
Montero is at the opposite end of the spectrum. He’s more of a "bridge" pitcher.
Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily.
The Tigers have leaned on "Pitching Chaos" for two seasons now. Having a guy who can give you 5 innings and 4 strikeouts without walking the bases loaded is valuable. His BB/9 has stayed around 3.0, which is manageable. He’s not hurting himself, but he’s not dominating either.
What to Watch in 2026
If you’re tracking Montero this season, don't just look at the total strikeout count. Look at the pitch mix.
He’s been tinkering with a changeup that actually looked pretty decent in limited samples last year, holding hitters to a .184 batting average. If he starts using that changeup to keep lefties off-balance, his strikeout numbers could see a late-career surge.
Right now, he's a depth arm. He’s currently battling for a permanent rotation spot against guys like Jackson Jobe and Ty Madden. For Montero to win that battle, he has to find a way to get those "swing-and-miss" results back up.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Fantasy Owners
If you're looking at Montero for your fantasy roster or just trying to win an argument at the sports bar, keep these points in mind:
- Don't chase the Ks: Montero is a "floor" play, not a "ceiling" play. He will give you innings, but he won't win you a strikeout category.
- Watch the Slider Velo: If his slider is sitting at 85-86 mph with sharp horizontal movement, expect a 5+ strikeout game. If it’s "loopier" and slower, he’s going to get hit.
- Check the Role: Always check if he's the "Probable Starter" or follows an opener. His strikeouts per game are nearly double when he starts the game versus coming in cold from the pen.
- Matchup Matters: He struggles against high-contact teams (like the Guardians). He performs best against "swing-happy" lineups where his high-fastball/low-curve combo can steal strikes.
Montero is only 25. There’s still plenty of time for him to develop that "out" pitch, but for now, he remains a solid, if unspectacular, part of Detroit's pitching puzzle.