New York Yankees Or Texas Rangers: Which Is Better Fit For Jordan Montgomery?
The Texas Rangers still have questions about their starting rotation, but one big answer could be found in a familiar left-hander still on the market.
A shrinking market, however, has made him one of the top remaining free-agent pitchers available, and another former team with money to spend could be eying a reunion.
MLB.com recently predicted the "best fit" for the top free agents still available and suggested Jordan Montgomery best fits the New York Yankees instead of the Rangers.
"When the Yankees sent Montgomery to the Cardinals for center fielder Harrison Bader at the 2022 Trade Deadline, part of their rationale was that they didn’t expect the left-hander to fit in their postseason rotation. Ironically, Montgomery went on to become a playoff star for the Rangers one year later, helping Texas win a World Series championship. Adding further insult? He was especially dominant in the Rangers’ American League Championship Series victory against the Astros, a longtime nemesis of the Yanks. The Bronx Bombers may have struck out in the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes, but they have a chance to right a past wrong and get the durable starting pitcher they need by bringing back Montgomery." - MLB.com
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, is a hot commodity, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, who reported last week that at least six teams are interested. The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels are the reported favorites, but the Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox remain in the hunt.
The Rangers remain an option, too, but that could fizzle out depending on the ongoing uncertainty related to the club's TV rights deal. Montgomery is looking for a six-year, $140 million deal, according to multiple reports. A very similar deal to Washington Nationals' starter Patrick Corbin.
Montgomery isn't the only pitcher in play for Texas. The Rangers are reportedly in the mix for former San Deigo Padres closer Josh Hader. After the Rangers bullpen struggles during the regular season, Hader would be a welcomed addition.
Montgomery and Hader have been the main two free agents most linked to Texas. And it makes sense. If the Rangers are able to sign either (or both), their chances of repeating as World Series champions would increase significantly.
.
Catch up with Inside the Rangers on Facebook and X.
