Red Sox News: Jordan Montgomery-Scott Boras update, Boston loses slugger to Cubs

After months of hoping, Red Sox Nation just received another glimmer of optimism in regard to the Boston Red Sox's potential signing of top-tier free agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery.

Late last week, news broke that the Red Sox were "prioritizing" signing Montgomery over their other interests. On the morning of Feb. 26, it was reported by Peter Gammons that Boston, Montgomery and his agent Scott Boras had "a good meeting recently" and that there may be progress toward a deal between the two parties.

Montgomery pitched to a 3.20 ERA last year, the most impressive part of his season coming with the 2023 World Series champion Rangers. In 67.2 innings with Texas, Montgomery logged a 2.79 ERA with 58 strikeouts and 13 walks. The veteran hurler was a huge part of the Rangers' postseason success and he kept the rotation anchored through his five impressive starts.

The left-hander spent the offseason living in Boston, and many experts believed the Sox would be the best fit for him ... while fans watched the Red Sox hold off on making a move all offseason. It's known that Montgomery's asking price was quite high, up around six years for $162 million, and the front office voiced many times that it would need the price to decrease before pursuing Montgomery with any aggression.

It seems months on the market and the beginning of spring training passing has potentially lowered Montgomery's price, and the Sox are ready to listen. Signing Montgomery and adding a starter with as much consistent big-league experience as he does could transform the offseason for Boston.

Red Sox have been in contact with Jordan Montgomery, Scott Boras and they lose out on Garrett Cooper to the Cubs

Besides the progress in conversations with Montgomery, the Red Sox's typical offseason woes have continued into the preseason as they lost out on another free-agent target.

Garrett Cooper has signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs. The deal includes an invitation to big-league spring training and a real chance to make the roster.

Cooper is a seven-year MLB veteran who has spent time with the Yankees, Marlins and Padres. Cooper plays mostly first base but can log corner outfield reps if need be.

Boston was also eyeing Gio Urshela as a potential versatile backup option in the field. They also lost out on him to the Tigers. Urshela or Cooper joining the team would probably lessen Bobby Dalbec's chances of making the Opening Day squad.

Cooper hit .251/.304/.419 with 17 home runs in 2023, a bit of a slow year offensively for the righty. He said his decision came down to the Cubs and the Red Sox, and, again, the Sox were left at the altar.

But if Boston had to sacrifice some time or money for Cooper to make headway on signing Montgomery, it likely won't regret such a miss.

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