Ex-Cardinals Ace 'Believed To Prefer' Reunion After Dominant Season

The St. Louis Cardinals will be spending the vast majority of their efforts attempting to lure frontline starters to Busch Stadium this offseason.

Fortunately, the organization has a relationship with a few of the premier arms on the market. At least one of the top pitchers available would like to see a reunion happen -- though it won't be a one-team race.

"Jordan Montgomery won’t get $200M, but he may come closer than you think after finishing strong with the champion (Texas) Rangers, highlighted by his domination of the rival (Houston) Astros in the ALCS," The New York Post's Jon Heyman wrote Thursday. "Montgomery is believed to prefer a return to Texas to St. Louis or The Bronx, his previous stops."

Montgomery's preference is not one that pops up often, open to going anywhere he's played in his past. Cardinals fans won't complain though, as that could make a huge difference in helping persuade the southpaw back to St. Louis.

He's also used New York trading him as a chip on his shoulder, so you'd have to assume the Yankees would be third on his wish list -- though money will do most of the influencing here.

The 30-year-old posted a 3.20 ERA with a 166-to-48 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .247 batting average against and 1.19 WHIP in 188 2/3 innings between his time with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers last season.

Montgomery would certainly be a strong addition to the Cardinals' rotation but it won't be enough -- it would essentially be the same team as last season.

It sounds like the rotation will likely be led by Montgomery or Aaron Nola, followed by Sonny Gray or someone in that tier. Ideally, that would be aided by a third acquisition -- via trade or a budget-friendly free agent.

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