Many fans of the Texas Rangers have believed throughout the offseason that a potential reunion with left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery would be a logical and significant move for the team in free agency this winter. However, there hasn’t been much reported evidence connecting the two sides, aside from general speculation about the fit and the Rangers’ need for durable innings. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News adds further doubt to the Rangers’ chances of re-signing Montgomery in his recent mailbag column.
Grant has previously expressed skepticism about a deal between the Rangers and Montgomery, even though some Rangers fans may have hoped that the resolution of the team’s television situation for the 2024 season would lead to an agreement. Grant suggests that a deal still seems unlikely, especially considering the team’s current luxury tax status. It is estimated that signing Montgomery would cost the Rangers over $30 million this season, as they will be a second-time luxury payor and already have significant luxury obligations.
While it is not impossible for the Rangers to bring in Montgomery under certain circumstances, the team has been financially restrained throughout the winter. Signing Montgomery would result in a significant increase in contractual commitments for the 2025 season and beyond, with over $100 million in guarantees already on the books as far as 2027. Additionally, the Rangers have not been actively involved in Montgomery’s market for some time due to his high price tag, according to reports.
If the Rangers do not end up signing Montgomery, there are several other teams that have been linked to him, including the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. The Angels, in particular, have remained in contact with Montgomery and his agent Scott Boras, but their payroll projection and historical aversion to long-term deals for pitchers may complicate any potential agreement. As for the Phillies, there are rumors that they may be waiting for the price of remaining top-tier free agents to drop before making a move.
While these connections to other teams are mostly speculative, it is worth noting that Philadelphia’s president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, has hinted at the possibility of making another addition if the circumstances are favorable. However, the Phillies, like the Rangers, are projected to be luxury tax payors, which would significantly increase the cost of signing Montgomery.
Overall, Montgomery has been a reliable starting pitcher, making at least 30 starts in each of the past three seasons. He has posted solid numbers, including a 3.48 ERA, a respectable strikeout rate, and a strong ground-ball rate. His performance in the 2023 postseason was particularly impressive, helping lead the Rangers to their first-ever World Series title.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com