The Texas Rangers rotation this August might look vastly different than what they trot out for Opening Day. That outlook could be swaying how they’ve approached starting pitching this offseason, especially as it relates to Jordan Montgomery.
The reigning World Series champs will be without Max Scherzer (back) and Jacob deGrom (Tommy John surgery) to start the season. Scherzer underwent back surgery this offseason for a herniated disc and is expected to return to the rotation in June or July.
deGrom has said he’s hoping to return in August after undergoing the second Tommy John procedure of his career last June.
Those two injuries, plus Montgomery remaining unsigned, has left the Rangers thinner in the rotation. If the season started today, their rotation likely would consist of Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Andrew Heaney, Dane Dunning and Cody Bradford.
There’s upside in that group, to be sure, but there’s also plenty of question marks. Eovaldi and Heaney have long injury histories, while Bradford only debuted in the majors last season. Dunning is coming off a great 2023, but historically has struggled with consistency.
Bringing Montgomery back would undoubtedly add some more security to the group, but clearly, based on the fact he remains unsigned, cost is an issue.
Audacy MLB insider Bob Nightengale said Monday on Area 45 on SportsRadio 610 that the interest between Montgomery and the Rangers remains mutual, but cost remains a barrier.
“I think (the Rangers are) thinking OK we’re going to get deGrom back at some point, we’re going to get Scherzer back at some point in the second half as well, and see if we can go without them,” Nightingale said. “But I think they just keep waiting for Montgomery’s price to drop. Montgomery wants to go back there, they want him, but I’m not sure they’re ready to take that big step financially to get him. I’m not sure what he’s asking, but basically over $170 million, I’m not sure they think it’s worth it to do that.”
It seems likely Montgomery will find a landing spot soon seeing as pitchers and catchers are beginning to report to spring training. Additionally, it doesn’t sound as though the Rangers are alone in their interest in Montgomery, with the Red Sox, Giants, Phillies and Yankees all having been linked to him this offseason, as well.