Catchers and pitchers have already reported for spring training, but Jordan Montgomery, the team’s top starter, is still unsigned as of right now. The left-hander will likely be the next of agency Scott Boras’s available clients to sign with a team this offseason, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, who made the bold prediction that he’ll sign “by next week.”
Given that Montgomery has already lingered longer on the free agency market than anticipated, a deal in the next few days wouldn’t be shocking. Nevertheless, with the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox vying for the 31-year-old’s talents, it’s difficult to determine who the clear favourite is to sign him.
Insider Jon Morosi was less inclined to rule out the Red Sox as a potential suitor for Montgomery, even though le Feinsand stated that he “seems destined for a reunion with the Rangers if the two sides can agree on a number.”
“I wonder if the Red Sox may make a late push by clearing salary with a Kenley Jansen trade,” added Morosi. “The Rangers are the favourites to sign [Montgomery].”
Since the pitcher recently relocated to Boston, Montgomery has been associated with the Red Sox during the winter. Montgomery has been working out at Boston College during the offseason while his wife, McKenzie Dirr, finishes her residency at a city hospital. Though this might give the Red Sox a leg up in signing him,
Since many other free agents pitchers have since inked deals, Montgomery’s market has been booming all winter, and he is without a doubt one of the best starters still available. Between the St. Louis Cardinals and Rangers in 2023, Montgomery started 32 games during the regular season and recorded 166 strikeouts, 1.19 WHIP, and 3.20 ERA. During the Rangers’ eventually successful postseason run, he made six appearances (five starts), tallying 17 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.90.
Montgomery’s Projected Contract Value
Montgomery will undoubtedly come at a high cost, regardless of the team that signs him.
Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumours forecasted on November 6, 2023, that Montgomery will likely get a six-year, $150 million contract this winter. On November 9, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel made a prediction that the pitcher would sign a five-year, $106 million contract. According to these estimates, Montgomery’s AAV is between $21 and $25 million.
Rangers vs. Red Sox
The Rangers know they can succeed with Montgomery on their squad because he recently assisted the team in winning their first World Series triumph in team history. Although Montgomery was just added to the team at the trade deadline, he was unquestionably essential to the Rangers’ postseason victory. However, he may be even more valuable this season.
It’s unclear if Texas starters Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom will pitch again in 2024 after beginning the season on the injured list. Tyler Mahle, who was just signed by the Rangers, is anticipated to be placed on the injured list following Tommy John surgery that he had last year. The Rangers need an ace to carry them if they hope to compete in 2024.
Starting pitchers are also needed by the Red Sox, and Montgomery would immediately take the top spot in their rotation. Boston’s starting rotation finished 22nd in MLB in 2023 with an unimpressive 4.68 ERA, and things might become even worse in 2024 with rookie Lucas Giolito taking the place of star Chris Sale.
Nevertheless, the Red Sox are expected to be greatly discouraged by Montgomery’s contract value, which may be the main reason a deal between the two teams fails. The Rangers are less likely to be deterred by the price because they are known for being willing to spend a lot of money to acquire elite players.
