Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young met with reporters on the first day of spring training out in Surprise, Arizona, and provided an update on where things stood with the club's financial situation due to the uncertainty surrounding their next TV contract.
Young admitted that the club is hindered by the situation with Diamond Sports Group and appeared to throw cold water on the chances of bringing back right-hander Jordan Montgomery, who remains a free agent.
“I don’t think there are any additions coming at this point,” Young said, via Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. “But I’ve said before we will keep an open mind. I know there’s a number of free agents still out there. At this point, the group we have in the clubhouse is primarily the group. If there is an opportunity to add, we’d certainly be open to that.”
“That said, the TV uncertainty is real. We don’t know what it looks like beyond this year. This is a financial responsibility that we have to operate with, and until we have that certainty ... our payroll is at an all-time high. I think that shows ownership’s commitment to winning. And we’re very grateful for the resources provided.”
The Rangers will enter the season with a rotation consisting of Nate Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Dane Dunning, Andrew Heaney and Cody Bradford, but reinforcements appear to be on the way.
Young said Wednesday that Jacob deGrom, who underwent Tommy John surgery last June, has started playing catch on the field, and August remains the target for his return.
And it gets better.
According to Young, Max Scherzer, who has not yet begun throwing but likely has the shortest recovery time, 'could return in June.'
As for Tyler Mahle, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May, he has been throwing for several weeks and could potentially be back on the bump in July.
