Big Payday, Small Market: What Is Free Agent Jordan Montgomery Looking For?
It's clear by now that the Texas Rangers will likely pivot away from re-signing left-hander and World Series hero Jordan Montgomery to a long-term deal.
Where could he sign instead before Opening Day?
During an interview on 'The Michael Kay Show' on ESPN New York, baseball analyst Buster Olney said the 31-year-old is looking to avoid the bright lights and play "in a smaller market like Texas, like St. Louis," though that seems unlikely given the teams interested.
"I know the Red Sox had interest in him. You know the connection between Boston and his wife [Mckenzie], and maybe that would make some sense," said Olney. "Maybe the Red Sox have some insurance on the [Lucas] Giolitto deal. All along, on paper, I thought the Red Sox made a lot of sense, but I don't know what Jordan wants."
Texas might not have hoisted its first Commissioner's Trophy last October without Montgomery. Acquired by St. Louis at the trade deadline, the southpaw served as the No. 2 behind Nathan Eovaldi throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.
Between St. Louis and Texas, Montgomery posted a 3.20 ERA with a 166-to-48 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and a 1.19 WHIP in 188 2/3 innings pitched.
In the postseason, Montgomery went 4-2 with a 2.90 ERA in 31 innings.
One franchise Olney mentioned as a potential "small market" fit was the Baltimore Orioles, who could benefit from adding another veteran to the rotation. Behind a young cast of position players, Baltimore finished with an American League-best 101-61 record.
The Orioles seem to be going all-in this offseason after being swept by the Rangers in the wild-card round with the recent acquisition of former NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes. Olney also mentioned two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell as a potential name to monitor.
"They have a lack of depth with their starting rotation," Olney said. "They absolutely should be in on one of those guys. I think Montgomery would make a ton of sense for them, but I just don't know if the owners would spend the money."
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