Reunion Remains Top Option For Texas Rangers, Free Agent Jordan Montgomery, Per Report
Free agency is still alive and well in the MLB midway through January, and the Texas Rangers remain in the running for several high-profile names.
Will general manager Chris Young land one of the premier pitchers still looking for a permanent home?
The Athletic's Jim Bowden listed his predictions on where the top 10 remaining free agents will land. No surprise, Bowden is high on a reunion between the Rangers and left-hander Jordan Montgomery.
I’ve felt from the start of free agency that the Rangers were the best fit for Montgomery and vice versa. Running it back makes sense for both sides. Montgomery has been very consistent over the past two seasons and last year proved he can deliver in the biggest games and moments as he played a pivotal role in helping Texas reach and ultimately win the World Series; he posted a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts after the midseason trade from the Cardinals, then logged a 2.90 ERA in five starts and one relief appearance in the postseason. The Rangers will start the season with several injured starters (Max Scherzer is recovering from back surgery; Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle are returning from Tommy John surgeries) and must account for possible decline from some of them when they return, so adding another top starter such as Montgomery is imperative if they’re going to repeat as world champions. - Bowden
The midseason acquisition from St. Louis became a staple in Texas' postseason push to its first World Series title, posting a 2.79 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 11 starts. The southpaw carried that success over to October, where he was 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA.
Montgomery, 31, remains a hot commodity and could be the top arm left on the market. Last month, MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported at least six teams were interested in the starter to strengthen their respective rotations.
The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels were the reported favorites, but the Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox were also listed as possible destinations. The Giants could turn attention elsewhere after inking righty Jordan Hicks on a four-year, $44 million deal earlier this month.
Bowden said Hader could be a consolation option should Montgomery sign elsewhere. After the Rangers bullpen struggles during the regular season, Hader would be a welcomed addition.
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