Rangers GM leaves the door open for the Phillies in Jordan Montgomery sweepstakes
Rangers general manager Chris Young said the team isn't likely to make any more major signings this offseason. Will the Phillies pursue the free agent starter?
The Texas Rangers have been weighing whether or not to re-sign free agent starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery during the offseason. It appears now that the left-hander may not be back with Texas this offseason. Jeff Wilson, who covers the team for RangersToday.com, tweeted the latest after speaking with general manager Chris Young.
We talked to #Rangers GM Chris Young.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) February 14, 2024
He doesn’t expect many more roster additions. Said club will remain open on Jordan Montgomery but also said TV uncertainty beyond this season is a factor.
With the Rangers remaining noncommittal on a deal involving Montgomery, could the Philadelphia Phillies make an addition to their rotation by signing the 31-year-old during spring training?
Dave Dombrowski admits the Phillies have had a “quiet” offseason, but not because they haven’t been trying to make moves.
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) February 7, 2024
pic.twitter.com/tjHYS37e6o https://t.co/jQZEbJAssQ
According to Todd Zolecki, the Phillies beat writer for MLB.com, Philly has an interest in adding Montgomery but only on a one-to-two-year deal. Do the Phillies necessarily need Montgomery? Well, no. Following the re-signing of Aaron Nola in November, Dave Dombrowski, the president of baseball operations, expressed the franchise's satisfaction with the starting rotation.
Montgomery had a mixed 2023 with the St. Louis Cardinals and Rangers. The 2014 fourth-round draft pick by the New York Yankees went 10-11, with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in 2023. His numbers were not as good with the struggling Cardinals compared to the reigning World Series champion Rangers.
In 21 starts with St. Louis, he had a 6-9 record, a 3.42 ERA, 108 strikeouts, and a 1.25 WHIP. Following the trade to the Rangers, he went 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts. He had 58 strikeouts and a 1.09 WHIP.
Montgomery's postseason experience a plus
His performance for Texas during the postseason was significant for the team winning the World Series. Montgomery had a 3-1 record and a 2.90 ERA in six games, five of them starts. He had a 1.35 WHIP and 17 strikeouts in 31 innings pitched. He's a decent second-starting option in a club's rotation, and as a third pitcher for the Phillies, he would be good.
Dombrowski also remained evasive previously when discussing whether the club will add a starting pitcher on SportsRadio 94WIP's Morning Show with Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie on Feb. 7. The Phillies president of operations commented on how strong the rotation was last year.
"When you look at the analytical aspects of it, I think they ranked us the number one rotation in baseball, so that's pretty good," Dombrowski said.
Zack Wheeler, Nola, Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker, and Cristopher Sánchez are a solid group of starting pitchers entering the regular season. Adding Montgomery would strengthen the Phillies' rotation, giving the club more quality depth.
Until the rumors become a reality, it doesn't appear likely Philadelphia will add him, especially if he's seeking more than a two-year deal. Still, signing Montgomery would have huge benefits for the Phillies this year, especially if they qualify for the postseason with a healthy starting rotation.
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