SUMMARY
- As we approach the final week of January, attention is drawn to the starting pitching side, where top arms like left-hander Jordan Montgomery remain unsigned.
- The on-field performance of Jordan Montgomery has evolved positively over the past few seasons,
The wisps have begun blowing and the dust is settling from an eventful off-season. The pitching-heavy free-agent class has gradually seen its top arms claimed by various teams. The bustling free-agent market and strategic roster revamp especially for the Los Angeles Dodgers have been illuminating features of this off-season. As we approach the final week of January, the mid-level market has begun to thin out, creating a contrast with the unexpected elites of free agency.
With Spring Training looming less than a month away, attention is particularly drawn to the starting pitching side. Where a few of the offseason’s top rotation arms, including left-hander Jordan Montgomery, remain unsigned.
Despite the left-hander’s peripheral metrics demonstrating notable stability—maintaining a strikeout rate of around 22% and a consistent 6% walk rate. Montgomery’s on-field performance has experienced a positive evolution over the past few seasons. Witnessing a decline from 3.83 to 3.48 and further down to an impressive 3.20, his ERA has reflected his evolution. It was accompanied by a corresponding drop in FIP from 3.69 to 3.61 and a noteworthy 3.56 in 2023.
Beyond the statistical achievements, Montgomery has firmly established himself as a postseason-caliber pitcher. He played an important role in steering the Rangers’ rotation through critical junctures down the stretch. And that is the reason why the three of the top teams are said to be the interested clubs exploring potential deals, including the Boston Red Sox. New York Yankees where the 31-year-old spent the majority of his career. And Texas Rangers where he spent last season.
Why is Jordan Montgomery a free agent?
After the Southpaw was traded to the Texas Rangers from the St. Louis Cardinals last season. Jordan Montgomery emerged as a cornerstone in securing the Texas Rangers’ historic first-ever World Series win in 2023. Overcoming early career injury challenges, Montgomery has seamlessly transitioned into the role of a reliable #2 starter in recent years. He amassed a noteworthy record with a 3.48 ERA and a 3.62 FIP across 94 starts in the past three seasons, according to MLB Trade Rumors. So why is he still a free agent?
Despite notable names like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto finding new homes, a cadre of unsigned players still await their moment. Not so surprisingly, the pace of free agency this winter has been notably slow, possibly attributed to a market that, beyond the Dodgers, has been cautious in making big deals.
And amidst it all, Montgomery stands out as the most sought-after athlete among those who are yet to secure a new team. The slow pace of free agency, coupled with Montgomery’s lookout for a substantial deal, has kept him on the market. Nonetheless, the anticipation is high that he will ink a deal in the not-so-distant future.