Baltimore Orioles Predicted to Be in Mix for Free Agent Ace

The Baltimore Orioles may be the one team to watch this winter as they "go big" for it in both the free agent and trade market. It's an exciting time for a young team and their fanbase as they gear up for another postseason run come 2024.

But to do so they will need reinforcements, especially to the rotation who lost two of its veterans to free agency in Kyle Gibson and the trade deadline acquisition Jack Flaherty to free agency.

A veteran ace to lead the young crew is exactly what this franchise should invest its money in if it intends to try for a repeat of its 2023 win total of 101.

One name The Athletic predicted Baltimore would be in on is Jordan Montgomery.

The veteran hurler is coming off of a postseason run that led the Texas Rangers to their first franchise World Series championship. During that run, Montgomery compiled a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts. As for the regular season, posted a 3.20 ERA and 1.193 WHIP in 188.2 innings pitched between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Rangers.

The same article postulates that Montgomery could earn a five-year, $127 million contract. It's a fair price for a pitcher with his stuff, leadership ability and age.

It would also make Montgomery the highest paid player on the roster. . . by a factor of two. But that is the cost of doing business and winning a World Series in this generation of MLB.

Take the Texas Rangers as a blueprint. They produced elite homegrown talent and infused it with high-dollar free agents. That won them a World Series and the incredible financial windfall that comes with it.

Baltimore very well may have to take the same route. The Orioles could do a lot worse than starting with Montgomery as a cornerstone of that process.

Published Nov 3, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.

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