Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young would love to see left-handed pitcher and World Series hero Jordan Montgomery return for the 2024 season. As Opening Day approaches, the 31-year-old is expected to return to Arlington in the visitor’s dugout. During an interview on 1310 The Ticket, Young stated that Monty is “less likely” to return for the 2024 season. The Rangers appear satisfied with their personnel as they prepare to face the Chicago Cubs to begin the season.
After spending heavily in back-to-back offseasons, Young took a more prudent approach following his World Series success. Texas has added right-hander Tyler Mahle to the rotation as a probable No. 4 or No. 5 starter. The Rangers strengthened their bullpen with the additions of veteran relievers Kirby Yates and David Robertson. It’s a strange spot to start the new year. According to sources, Montomgery would like to ‘play in a small-market like Texas or St. Louis’ but the asking price is prohibitively expensive. The Boston Red Sox remain one of the top contenders for the southpaw and may be willing to make a large offer after freshly signed right-hander Lucas Giolito sustained a partially torn UCL and flexor strain.
Montgomery was acquired by St. Louis at the trade deadline and played as the No. 2 behind Nathan Eovaldi throughout the regular season and playoffs. Montgomery pitched 188 2/3 innings for the Rangers and Cardinals, recording a 3.20 ERA, 166-to-48 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and 1.19 WHIP. Montgomery finished 4-2 in the postseason, posting a 2.90 ERA in 31 innings.
Earlier this week, ESPN’s Buster Olney said in an interview with ‘The Michael Kay Show’ that the Baltimore Orioles could be an intriguing team. It’s a lesser market than Boston, but it can afford a well-known pitcher. After leading the American League in victories last season (101-61), the Orioles appear to be set to take off behind a young offensive corps, but they might use another veteran arm. Corbin Burnes, the former NL Cy Young pitcher, was acquired by Baltimore earlier this offseason.
