Despite leading the Texas Rangers to their first World Series victory in franchise history this past October, Jordan Montgomery has not be re-signed even though the two sides have expressed mutual interest in a reunion.
It;s unclear what's holding everything up beyond the Rangers' issues with their local TV deal. How they haven't been able to figure out how to retain an important piece while projecting future finances has been a bit puzzling.
On the periphery, the Boston Red Sox have remainsd a suitor for Monty even though the team has said the payroll will likely remain lower than 2023's figure. Reports have suggested the Sox are done adding, too.
But the longer this drags out, you just never know.
Rangers beat writer Evan Grant said he believes that a reunion between the Rangers and Montgomery is unlikely during an Interview on Foul Territory, which keeps the door open for Boston, whether they plan to pounce or not.
"In a 12-month span, the @Rangers will have won a world series, they'll have hosted an All-Star game and will celebrate a Hall of Fame induction."@Evan_P_Grant says it's a great time to be a fan, but doesn't think they'll bring back Jordan Montgomery
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 26, 2024
▶️https://t.co/VWxy97zcyy pic.twitter.com/oHMrZM6bVE
Latest Rangers-Jordan Montgomery buzz could put Red Sox in driver's seat
This news bodes particularly well for the Red Sox, who, despite their attempts to downplay their involvement in negotiations with the bigger name free agents left could find, themselves in a similar situation they were in when they signed JD Martinez late in free agency before the 2018 season.
By playing the waiting game, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow could potentially secure Montgomery on a deal that isn't top of market while staying under the luxury tax, which has cast a shadow over the Red Sox's offseason. Making a move of this magnitude late into the offseason would offer a significant boost to Breslow's vision of reshaping the much-maligned Red Sox rotation by adding a pitcher who went 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA with the Rangers during the postseason, en-route to their World Series win.
What an addition like Montgomery would bring to the Red Sox
Montgomery was not only the Rangers' ace for their postseason run but has also been one of the most reliable starters in baseball over the last six seasons. This includes his experience in the AL East, where he posted a 3.94 ERA and a 3.90 FIP over 502.2 career innings with the New York Yankees before being traded to the Cardinals and then Texas.
Montgomery's combination of quality innings, experience in the best division in baseball, and newfound postseason track record are all qualities that should excite Red Sox fans and Breslow alike in their potential pursuit to sign him.
A proven top-of-rotation left-handed starter was considered the bare minimum outcome entering this offseason, especially in light of Tom Werner's "Full Throttle" comments. Despite the frustration fans have expressed with the offseason signings so far, acquiring a player like Montgomery could bring relief to a fanbase eager for upgrades after back-to-back last place finishes.