MLB Insider Predicts Jordan Montgomery Spurns Yankees, Cardinals to Return to Texas Rangers
The interest is definitely out there for Texas Rangers free agent Jordan Montgomery. The New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals – Montgomery’s former clubs – are rumored to be heavily focused on a reunion. His representatives have also met with the Boston Red Sox.
What about Montgomery’s preference?
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman said don’t count the Rangers out.
“I wouldn’t rule out Texas,” Heyman said. “I’m sure he would love to go back there. Why not? They were the world champion. He had so much success there. I think they’d love to have him back. ... I think that is a good fit.”
Jordan Montgomery went 3-1 during the Texas Rangers' postseason run to a World Series title.
The fit couldn’t have been any better for Montgomery and Texas after the deal with St. Louis before the trade deadline. The left-hander was immediately a stabilizing force in the Rangers rotation.
And he got better when it counted most. As pointed out by MLB.com, Montgomery allowed only two earned runs over his final four starts (27 innings) of the regular season. He opened the playoffs with a seven shutout innings at the Tampa Bay Rays and won two games in the American League Championship Series over the Houston Astros, including Game 7 in relief.
He finished the postseason with a 3-1 record and 2.90 ERA in 31 innings. Montgomery was 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts with Texas during the regular season.
A contract in excess of $100 million is likely for Montgomery, though the Rangers haven’t been shy about spending the last two offseasons. The expectation is that hasn’t changed, especially with a World Series title to defend. The Rangers appear ready to spend on free agents like Shohei Ohtani and Josh Hader, so pursuing Montgomery makes sense.
Heyman added that it’s “less likely” Montgomery returns to the Yankees or Cardinals.
“Texas, I’m keeping an eye on them for Montgomery,” Heyman continued “Obviously, they have the wherewithal to do it. They do great at free agency. Not going to bet against them for Jordan Montgomery.”
Texas does have five pitchers who started at least 20 games this past season returning – Max Scherzer, Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Dane Dunning and Andrew Heaney. Jacob deGrom also hopes to come back in 2024.
Still, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy would find a place for Montgomery in the rotation. The Rangers wouldn’t be the defending champs without him.
You can follow Art Garcia on Twitter @ArtGarcia92.
Catch up with Inside the Rangers on Facebook and Twitter.
