Re-Signing Monty — No Matter Price — Might Be Texas Rangers' Smartest Offseason Move
The longer Jordan Montgomery stays on the open market, the less likely it seems he'll return to Arlington.
The Texas Rangers fortified their pitching over the previous two offseasons, and retaining the left-hander seemed like a priority for general manager Chris Young. After all, one can't tell the Rangers' 2023 story without the trade deadline afterthought who became an October ace.
Maybe Young still views Montgomery as a prized acquisition heading into the new year. Money may not grow on trees, but teams seeking to repeat titles often treat it so. Hello, Dodgers! Texas has shown a willingness to spend before. Corey Seager? Marcus Semien? Jacob deGrom? Do any of those contracts ring a bell?
Montgomery, who helped Texas secure its first World Series title, is likely the second-most sought-after remaining free agent behind NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell. His five-pitch arsenal proved very effective, especially in the postseason. He showed an uncanny ability to work out of jams.
Texas Rangers pitcher Jordan Montgomery (52) reacts after a walk during the third inning of game one of the ALCS against the Houston Astros in the 2023 MLB playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
His sinker-curveball mix is a devastating combination when he's in command. It's a weapon that is probably worth a few extra zeros added to his next contract.
As more free agents land at their next destinations, Montgomery's stock continues to soar. So does two-time Cy Young winner Snell's, whose potential price tag might be scaring some clubs off.
Teams that were pursuing Yoshinobu Yamamoto could pivot toward Montgomery or Snell now that the Japanese sensation is headed to the Dodgers. Boston, San Francisco, and both New York clubs are looking to spend big but missed out on Yamamoto. The bidding war could get intense.
Is it a war Texas is willing to join?
The Rangers recently signed former Minnesota Twins right-hander Tyler Mahle to a two-year, $22 million deal, backing Young's statement of turning attention toward the rotation. Mahle, who was off to a career-best 3.20 ERA in five starts with the Twins, won't be ready to go until mid-season as he's still recovering from Tommy John surgery.
He's not alone. Max Scherzer won't return to the mound until June at the earliest after undergoing back surgery. deGrom, last season's big-time splash, is also recovering from Tommy John surgery and could return shortly after Mahle.
Is the trio of Nathan Eovaldi, Dane Dunning, and Jon Gray enough to fortify the rotation in the meantime? What if Schezer's best days are in the past? How about deGrom's future?
According to USA Today, with the TV rights deal at an influx, Montgomery's asking price could reach levels Young isn't willing to pay.
Boston, however, might be. Same goes for Steve Cohen and the Mets. And Brian Cashman knows the Yankees have more than enough money to secure Mongomery's talents.
Montgomery's asking price is similar to Washington Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin's six-year, $140 million deal, according to reports.
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