Jordan Montgomery: The Underdog Pitcher Making Waves in the MLB
Jordan Montgomery is not your typical MLB pitcher. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing in at 225 pounds, Montgomery is an imposing figure on the mound. But what sets him apart from the rest is his incredible journey to the big leagues.
Born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina, Montgomery grew up dreaming of playing in the MLB. However, his path to professional baseball was far from easy. Despite his talent, Montgomery went undrafted out of high school and had to prove himself at the collegiate level.
Montgomery attended the University of South Carolina, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dominant left-handed pitcher. His impressive performances caught the attention of scouts, and in 2014, he was drafted by the New York Yankees in the fourth round.
After several years in the minor leagues, Montgomery finally made his MLB debut in 2017. Since then, he has become a key player for the Yankees, consistently delivering strong performances on the mound. His ability to mix pitches and keep hitters off balance has earned him a reputation as a reliable starter.
Off the field, Montgomery is known for his humility and work ethic. Despite his success, he remains grounded and focused on improving his game. He credits his family and coaches for instilling in him the values of hard work and perseverance.
Montgomery’s journey from an undrafted high school player to a successful MLB pitcher is a testament to his determination and talent. He has overcome numerous obstacles to achieve his dream, and his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
As Montgomery continues to make waves in the MLB, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this underdog pitcher. With his impressive skill set and unwavering dedication, there’s no doubt that Montgomery will continue to excel on the mound and leave a lasting impact on the game.
START OF OFFSEASON SHOCKER: MLB STAR JORDAN MONTGOMERY STILL A FREE AGENT!
In a surprising turn of events, Jordan Montgomery, one of the top pitchers in MLB, remains without a team as spring training approaches. Despite a hot market for the 31-year-old starter, interested teams have been finalizing their rosters without signing him. Now, Montgomery may have to make compromises if he wants to secure a contract before Opening Day on March 28.
PHILLIES INTERESTED, BUT NOT ON MONTGOMERY’S TERMS
According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, the Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest in signing Montgomery. However, they are not willing to offer him the long-term deal he desires. The Phillies would be open to a one- to two-year contract, but Montgomery is hesitant to accept such a short-term agreement.
MONTGOMERY’S DREAM DEAL MAY NOT MATERIALIZE
Montgomery had high hopes for this offseason, expecting to sign a lucrative multi-year contract. In November 2023, experts projected he could secure a six-year, $150 million deal. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel even predicted a five-year, $106 million contract. Unfortunately, with Opening Day just weeks away, Montgomery may have to lower his expectations and compromise.
IMPRESSIVE STATS AND POSTSEASON SUCCESS
Last season, Montgomery made 32 regular-season starts for the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, showcasing his skills with a 3.20 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts. He also contributed to the Rangers’ historic World Series victory, recording a 2.90 ERA and 17 strikeouts in the postseason. Montgomery’s performance should make him an attractive option for any team in need of a reliable starter.
RANGERS REUNION OFF THE TABLE
Initially, a reunion with the Texas Rangers seemed likely for Montgomery. However, Rangers general manager Chris Young recently dismissed the possibility of a return, stating that no further additions are expected at this point. This leaves Montgomery without a clear landing spot.
RED SOX IN THE MIX?
The Boston Red Sox have also been linked to Montgomery throughout the offseason. Speculation suggests that the team could make a late push for him by clearing salary through a potential Kenley Jansen trade. Adding Montgomery to their already strong rotation could solidify the Red Sox as one of the top pitching staffs in MLB.
PHILLIES’ SPENDING SPREE AND LUXURY TAX WOES
The Phillies have been active in the free-agent market this season, signing Whit Merrifield to a one-year, $8 million deal and awarding Alec Bohm a $4 million arbitration-winning salary. These moves have pushed the team’s payroll above the second luxury tax threshold of $257 million, with their current 2024 payroll projected to reach $260.8 million. Despite their spending, the Phillies may still consider a short-term deal with Montgomery to bolster their pitching staff.
As the countdown to Opening Day continues, the fate of Jordan Montgomery remains uncertain. Will he compromise and accept a shorter contract, or will a team step up and meet his long-term demands? Only time will tell.
With the Merrifield signing and Bohm’s $4 million deal (which he won today in arbitration) Cot’s Baseball Contracts puts the Phillies at a $260.8 million luxury tax payroll. They are now over the second tax threshold of $257 million.
It’s clear the Phillies aren’t opposed to spending big to add a top starter to their rotation this season, if it’s a good fit. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Phillies made a competitive “$300 million-plus” offer to Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto before he signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this winter, so with the team now already over the second luxury tax threshold, a short-term deal for Montgomery makes sense as a backup plan.
While Montgomery and his famously aggressive agent Scott Boras didn’t go into the offseason expecting to land a short-term contract, the options are starting to thin out. Signing with the Phillies would put Montgomery in place to contend in 2024, and with spring training already underway, it might be time for the starter to consider if a compromise is the right move.
Rachael Millanta covers Major League Baseball for
According to the Source heavy.com