The Cubs are seeking a left-handed reliever in advance of the July 31 deadline, but one of their own southpaws – Mike Montgomery – “has been involved in trade talks,” Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com writes. However, it’s unclear whether there’s a deal featuring Montgomery on the horizon.
Now 30, Montgomery joined the Cubs in July 2016 as part of a trade with the Mariners for then-first base prospect Daniel Vogelbach, who has emerged as a formidable piece of the M’s offense this year. Montgomery was a quality member of the Cubs in his own right from 2016-18, notching 99 appearances and 38 starts of 3.56 ERA/4.10 FIP ball with 6.88 K/9, 3.5 BB/9 and a 54.9 percent groundball rate over 293 innings.
The Cubs surely expected more of the same from Montgomery this year, but his production has cratered across 20 appearances and 27 frames (all in relief). To this point, Montgomery owns an ugly 5.67 ERA/6.21 FIP. His K/9 (6.0) has declined, albeit not a ton from its already underwhelming levels, while Montgomery’s control and ability to induce grounders have also faded. He’s walking a career-worst 4.33 batters per nine and generating grounders at a personal-low 43.3 percent clip.
Unsurprisingly, with hitters having an easier time elevating the ball against Montgomery, more of his pitches have been leaving the yard. Montgomery has yielded home runs on a whopping 28.6 percent of fly balls, which is the eighth-highest figure among all pitchers who have thrown at least 20 innings in 2019. Part of the problem for Montgomery has been a sudden inability to retire left-handed hitters, whom he fared decently against coming into this season. They’ve teed off on him for a ridiculous .557 weighted on-base average this season. Lefties and righties have combined for a .416 wOBA against Montgomery, which is right in line with a .415 expected wOBA that Statcast ranks fourth from the bottom among qualified pitchers.
Needless to say, the 2019 version of Montgomery hasn’t done his trade value any favors. He does have his pre-2019 performance to fall back on, though, not to mention a couple years of team control. Montgomery’s earning $2.44MM this season and comes with two more years of arbitration eligibility. While the struggling Montgomery’s current salary doesn’t look onerous, the Cubs may want him and his money out of the picture as they try to upgrade their roster by the end of the month.
Sounds like they’re about to trade him to a local burger joint.
The same one you’re working at?
lmao
He got BURNED!!! Thanks needed a laugh!!!
The Rays always seem like a good depth-type fit for him.
Sounds good to me.
Has Phillies written all over it. Been interested in him for 3 years and need a lefty reliever
Cubs facing a roster crunch with Edwards and Hamels due back from the IL.
Maybe we can send Edwards with Monty?
Why? Carl was really good before he got hurt.
Almora and Montgomery for Kevin Kiermaier.
Who says no?
Rays!
To the DBacks for Peralta
off.
He has been awful this year. That curveball gets hammered. I’m sure the Cubs will take what they got out of him if he was gone tomorrow. That first career save was a big one!
Nationals might be desperate enough
we might be but hes not old enough yet
My guess is going to be Montgomery + Russell for Peralta and Chafin.
I feel like this is the type of move that the Phillies would make with next year in mind.
to the rangers
Not sure why, but I initially read the headline “Cubs’ Mike Montgomery Reportedly “Involved” In Trade Discussions” as if Montgomery himself was calling other GM’s to make trade offers.
And now, the thought of a player prank calling a real GM to offer up one one of his teammates while on speakerphone in the clubhouse seems like it would be one of the best MLB Tonight segments ever.
This is awesome
I read it like that as well lol.
A guy with a 5.67 ERA may get them a case of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and brew…not much more…
A guy with a 6+ ERA may get them a case of Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and brew…not much more…
Montgomery just traded to Royals for catcher Martin Maldonado.