It’s no secret that free agency has been unusually slow this winter. As we head into the final week of January, 19 of MLBTR’s Top 50 MLB free agents remain unsigned, and that’s after a three-week period that saw nine players on the list (mostly from the middle tier of the rotation market and the upper level of the relief market) agree to deals.
While much of the mid-level market has begun to thin out at this point, the upper echelons of free agency remain surprisingly deep with the beginning of Spring Training less than a month away. That’s particularly true of the starting pitching side of things, where two of the offseason’s top four rotation arms remain unsigned. That includes left-hander Jordan Montgomery, who is coming off a dominant season split between the Cardinals and Rangers during which he helped Texas bring home the first World Series championship in franchise history.
After struggling with injuries early in his career, Montgomery has settled in as a reliable #2 starter in recent years, with a 3.48 ERA and 3.62 FIP in 94 starts over the past three seasons. While the left-hander’s peripheral numbers have stayed largely consistent over that time as his strikeout rate hovered around 22% against a walk rate that stayed in the realm of 6%, Montgomery’s results have improved in each of the past three seasons: his ERA dipped from 3.83, to 3.48, to 3.20 while his FIP dropped from 3.69, to 3.61, to this past season’s 3.56 figure. The southpaw further established himself as a playoff-caliber arm by helping to carry the Rangers’ rotation down the stretch while ace Max Scherzer battled injuries, posting a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts with the club over the season’s final two months before posting a strong 2.90 ERA during the playoffs.
As a clearly capable arm who can be slotted toward the front of a playoff caliber club’s rotation. Montgomery figured to be among the more coveted pitchers on the market this winter. That’s mostly proven to be true. While the southpaw has yet to sign, he’s garnered plenty of interest from teams throughout the winter with more than half a dozen clubs having been connected to his market over the past two months. Some of those clubs, such as the Mets, Cubs, and Cardinals, went in other directions as the winter progressed and no longer appear to be a fit for Montgomery’s services. Several others remain as plausible landing spots for the 31-year-old hurler, however.
Perhaps chief among those options is a reunion with the Rangers. The latest buzz on the rumor mill regarding Montgomery is that he prefers to return to Texas this winter, with MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand recently describing a reunion as the “most likely” conclusion to the southpaw’s free agency once all is said and done. Other potential suitors include the Giants and Angels, both of whom have been reported as interested in both Montgomery and Blake Snell in recent weeks. The Red Sox have also been connected to Montgomery in recent weeks, though the club’s payroll limitations likely mean they’d need to move salary to make room for an arm of Montgomery’s caliber.
While the Yankees also remain at least a nominal fit for Montgomery’s services, the club’s recent signing of Marcus Stroman could lessen their need for an impact rotation piece and they appeared more focused on Snell of the two remaining top starters even before signing Stroman. The Phillies have also been loosely connected to Montgomery this winter, though the club appears more likely to work around the edges of its roster at this point in the offseason rather than make a splash at the top of free agency.
Just as interesting as the question of where Montgomery will land is the question of what sort of contract he’ll command. MLBTR predicted Montgomery for a six-year, $150MM contract at the beginning of the offseason, identical to our prediction for right-hander Aaron Nola. Since then, however, Nola has gone on to return to the Phillies on a seven-year, $172MM deal. Reports have indicated that Montgomery is targeting a deal that would surpass Nola’s deal in terms of guaranteed money. It’s unclear, however, if teams value Montgomery more highly than Nola; while the lefty has been more consistent in recent years, he’s also six months older than Nola and can’t compare to the righty in terms of durability. Since Montgomery began his career in 2017, he’s made 141 trips to the mound, or two full seasons less than Nola’s 202 during that same timeframe.
So, how do MLBTR readers expect Montgomery’s market to play out? Where will the lefty land? Will he top Nola’s guarantee? Have your say in the polls below:
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
What no Orioles on the list
If the Orioles sign Jordan Montgomery, that will pay many debts
just_thinkin
There is no world in which John Angelos approves a contract above $100 million. Elias has yet to sign anyone to TWO years much less the 5+ it would take to land Montgomery.
Join the rest of us Orioles fans in reality please, friend.
Roidville Slugger
So you’re tellin’ me there’s a chance…
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
LOL there is
Susannah
Technically, two were signed to 2 years deals: John Means and Felix Bautista.
just_thinkin
Free agents I mean
Lanidrac
At least the Orioles are a more realistic option than the Cardinals, who have their payroll almost tapped out.
dougsolo1
To be fair, the Orioles have been rebuilding since Elias came on board as GM. Even 2023 was supposed to be part of the rebuilding process. Things went very well and O’s won the Division and now they are clearly contenders. So thongs are different now for Elias. Now, unlike before, Orioles should spend some money and agree to some (or at least one) long-term contract. They should be in the bidding for Montgomery. Not sure if they will actually get involved, but the fact that they didn’t sign 2+ year contracts when they were rebuilding is not proof of what Elias might do with Orioles in contention.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Rangers, Yankees, Angels or Giants.
With Snell likely to Angels or Yankees, Monty then goes to the other, or the Rangers or Giants.
I’ll say Snell to Angels and Monty to Rangers.
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
Artie spends money
BaseballisLife
Moreno just never spends it on pitchers. The last time he signed a pitcher to a deal longer than 3 years was 2011.
holycowdude
You forgot about Ohtani
AG7
Iglesias was 4 years with the Angels
prov356
cow – What about Ohtani?
BaseballisLife
Iglesias was 4 years. Then he was traded 1 year later.
stymeedone
Angels don’t do more than 3 years with pitchers.
99CaptainJudge99
Snell to the Angels or the Giants, and Monty to the Rangers or the Phillies. The Yankees are unlikely to get either pitcher. Definitely wanted Monty to sign with the Yankees, and apparently the Yankees wanted that also.
jorge78
Mr. Just Thinking: that is correct!
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
Maybe
King Floch
>John Angelos spending his (daddy’s) money on a top shelf(ish) free agent
Haha, good one.
KingKen
For all the vitriol Red Sox fans have expressed this winter toward their team ownership of I were an O’s fan I’d be even more pissed with their ownership. They’re clearly a team on the rise and clearly need a solid veteran starter to plug in near the top of their rotation to get them to the next level. And they have plenty of payroll space to work with. That they haven’t even explored someone like Montgomery should have every fan of that team incensed.
King Floch
Fellow king-
“Be angry at the sun for setting if these things anger you.”
-Robinson Jeffers
That more or less sums up where many of us Orioles fans are at. It is what it is, no sense getting angry about it for the 10,000th time. It is simply the status quo in Baltimore.
Hopefully the rumors about Dave Rubenstein buying the franchise from the Angelos family come to fruition, and soon.
myaccount2
It might be past time for them to make a big move, but that doesn’t mean they’ll actually do anything significant. Angelos is hoping the developed core is enough, and he doesn’t even care to keep those guys around long-term, as he’s already admitted.
myaccount2
He should, but he won’t.
stymeedone
Payroll space is not the same as payroll. You do realize payroll is based on revenue and has little to do with tax thresholds.
RandorBierd
But are they willing to pay the Iron Price?
aroid95
Anyone voting Red Sox should look at ownerships recent comments. I agree it’s a perfect fit and they should sign him. But not happening with Johnny Small Pockets Henry in charge.
Ma4170
Its a great fit but you’re probably right
GaryWarriorsRedSoxx
They’re trying to find a taker for Kenley Jansen. If that happens Montgomery is on the next plane to Fenway.
jorge78
Mr. Aroid: they have soccer clubs to buy! Can’t be worrying about individual players.
stymeedone
Never believe what ownership says. Its meaningless.
kingbum
Boston should go in one of two directions at this point, spend the money and get Montgomery or go cheap and take the shot at rehabbing Trevor Bauer’s image and sign him. Either way at least ownership can really say they are trying. Bauer has been in timeout long enough, taking a shot on him can keep payroll down where Henry wants it.
LambchoP
Monty to the Twins! I’m still baked from last night though…
martras
If the Twins were unwilling to give Berrios $100MM, they’re sure as hell not getting to Montgomery’s asking price hahaha
mnnorthernjuice
Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson for an inconsistent Berrios was a great trade. Berrios wasn’t worth $100M! Montgomery career 3.6era & Berrios 4.2era! Montgomery is better & twins need LH pitching
martras
Let’s compare Berrios to Montgomery, shall we? From 2017+ (when Jordan entered the league)
Berrios vs. Montgomery
fWAR = 19.2 > 14.2
bWAR = 14.8 > 12.5
GS = 197 > 140
Innings = 1155 > 755
ERA = 3.95 < 3.68
FIP = 3.94 < 3.75
K/9 = 8.89 > 8.40
BB/9 = 2.56 < 2.47
WHIP = 1.19 = 1.19
Head to head years 2017-2023
Led ERA = 3 < 4
Led FIP = 4 > 3
Aside from that, Berrios was one of the most durable pitchers in MLB who was only 27 years old at the time. Montgomery is 31, less durable, and the same class of pitcher as Berrios.
Being left handed is a distinct advantage for Montgomery, though, I’ll give you that.
stripes46
White Sox will be the surprise team to sign Montgomery!
cwsOverhaul
WSox filled its Montgomery quota with “Colson”.
This one belongs to the Reds
If the Reds were serious about not only competing but competing in the postseason, they would sign someone like Montgomery. It would take them to where they have spent before, so it is doable. But they won’t.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Yeah, not realistic. Better chance that Collier is part of a package for Cease.
Wire to wire 2024
I’d be fine with that
Big whiffa
It’s not the reds that won’t sign him it’s that Montgomery, like nearly every other free agent of note, won’t sign w reds (yet).
Boras made an interesting comment the other day. He said his client was interested in any team that’s proven their willingness to compete. Reds, like 1/2 the league, have never proved that. And until they do – the biggest names won’t be considering Cincinnati
This one belongs to the Reds
You’re right, and I have been saying this for quite a while now, much to certain “fans” chagrin.
vaderzim
He won’t sign until the end of March.
just_thinkin
Boring. Just waiting for the Rangers to move some money around and figure out how to make it work.
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
The problem is that my prior suggestion of dealing Semien to replace with Foscue got shot down. Otherwise, most of the big money is for starting pitching, and Nate Lowe is the only arb guy I can think of moving and replacing with Blaine Crim/Justin Foscue/Dustin Harris. Seager and Adolis Garcia are too valuable to deal for payroll flexibility. Of course, there is always the option CY usually fails to use of trading for guys.
sippycups
the CY hate from you is unprecedented. this man did everything possible to bring you, as a fan, a chip and delivered it.
I’m pretty sure if there is a way for CY to bring Monty back in to the rotation, he’ll do it.
I’m a foscue fan too, but even the thought of replacing semian with him seems a bit ridiculous.
martras
I didn’t realize CY was checking with you directly on the moves he should make. It’s a bummer he’s shooting your ideas down.
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
I should give him credit for drafting Wyatt Langford and signing a bunch of good NRI relievers, along with acquiring good starting pitching. As much as I loved the WS win, 99% of the time, that BP doesn’t win a WS. I have a fewling fans would feel differently if Texas won less than 81 games last year due to luck. You see Giants’ fans and Red Sox’s fans complain about their FOs all the time, in spite of each having 3 WS wins. Management and luck aren’t that strongly correlated. Without Bochy, thr Giants may not have even 1.
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
3 in the last century
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
I mean on the comment section. I’m saying there are no good ideas for dumping payroll, so Monty isn’t as obvious a fit.
martras
I know you meant in the comments 🙂 Just giving you a hard time.
Yanks2
This guy sucks. He had one decent post season and now wants Scherzer money. Pass
rundmc1981
Ironically he gave TEX what they were hoping in Scherzer, while Mad Max is becoming the most expensive postseason cheerleader.
martras
These types of comments always make me laugh a little. The rage directed at a player who has an asking price too high for your team to justify. If he were to sign back with the Yankees for what you consider a fair price, you’d be talking about how the Yankees were guaranteed to win the World Series because Jordan Montgomery is back! You want him on the roster so bad, yet you can’t say it.
Hypocrisy and jealousy on full display haha.
Jesse Chavez enthusiast
@yanks2
Who says he wants Scherzer money? He is in no way, shape, or form asking for 40m dollars a year. If anything it sounds like he is waiting for the Rangers financial situation to become more certain because he wants to go back. Also im fairly certain that his asking price is more about him being an above average major league pitcher in almost every season than his last postseason. It kind of sounds like you don’t like the guy just because the Yankees gave him up for a scrub in Harrison Bader. This guy has been a solid #3 starter his whole career and you say he sucks? Give me a break. That’s absolutely ridiculous. He’s never had an ERA+ under 115 in any full season he was healthy. Ironically, with the uncertainties regarding Rodon, he would be your guys number 2 starter right now. If he sucks what does that say about the Yankees?
Mike_Divi
I find it curious that the Yankees seem to be prioritizing Snell over Montgomery despite the fact that Montgomery has posted a more consistent stat line over the past 3-4 years and has proven he can handle pitching in New York.
Ma4170
I’d love for the mets to sign him but don’t think its even close to realistic unfortunately. I see him more as one of the strongest number 3 sp than a 2, and I’m guessing teams do too, which is why he’s likely not getting the offers he wants yet. Either way, I’d like him on my team.
1984wasntamanual
I think this is the correct way to look at him unless it’s a very short term contract.
Jeremy320
With the Detroit Tigers getting a massive check for their 2023 TV rights from Amazon/Ballys this week after the bankruptcy judge approves the merger. My pick is Detroit.
stymeedone
Tigers currently have Skubal, Manning, Maeda, Olson, Flaherty, Mize, Faedo, and Gibson-Long for their rotation. They have Flores, Jobe, and Madden waiting in the wings. If they sign another starter, Flaherty likely gets bumped from the rotation. Just not happening.
The Saber-toothed Superfife
Arraez.
The Tigers should be willing to trade.
The Tigers should be willing to sign Bellinger, Montgomery and Schnell.
Even if it is just to trade them later. Only an idiot would not be trying to get Arraez if he available IMNSHO….if.they want to win now.
Even the Superfife knows that.
Jeremy320
Monty is better than every pitcher on your injury-prone chronic under-achieving list and one can never have enough pitching. AL central is wide open also.
The Saber-toothed Superfife
Yeah….he would probably get offered more than $14M/year…….
Motor City Beach Bum
Or they ship out some arms like Manning and Flores in a package to get a real 3B or a big bat.
SupremeZeus
Classic Arte crash and burn?
prov356
Most likely.
Bryzzo2016
Kinda surprised the Cards didn’t sign him, instead they signed a few washed up guys on the cheap.
Ketch
They signed the AL ERA leader/Cy Young runner up, whom they got on a surprisingly short 3 year deal. And you’re still upset?
JCL10
I think he’s talking about the other 4 guys. A rotation of Lynn, Matz, Gibson and Mikolas is scaring no one.
Spaced-Cowboy
I’m going to say the Rays or Pirates as a wildcard. 3 year deal with opt outs.
Tabata's Adopted Son
It would be interesting to see something like 3yr/$90M with an opt out after each year from a small market club.
twinky
Twins
radhippo
He’s not an ace. He’s a mid rotation arm. He shouldn’t be near Nola’s 172mil.
He should be around 4-5 years at roughly 20mil per. Otherwise, Hard Pass!
Ma4170
Agree he’s not on Nola’s level but could easily see 6-135 range for him, which is pretty much what strong mid rotation guys can get now
radhippo
Yeah that’s a fair deal. I’d be wary of a 6 year deal though. But that AAV seems about right.
MrMet1979 2
Rodon’s contract is a benchmark for what Montgomery’s money would look like considering he’s more of proven pitcher. The market for solid #3 starter is 25-27mil per season.
BaseballisLife
3.48 ERA vs 4.09 ERA and 121 ERA+ vs 102 ERA+ the last 3 years. Montgomery has been better than Nola. Without a doubt.
baseball-reference.com/players/m/montgjo01.shtml
baseball-reference.com/players/n/nolaaa01.shtml
Ma4170
Like i said, every other measure is not even close the other direction, and listed them. I didnt even include WAR, which was also significantly in Nola’s direction. There’s a reason Nola’s market was more active and in a higher range.
BaseballisLife
You listed them where?
Nola was resigned by his previous team where he said all along he wanted to play.
Ketch
Wow. Over ten percent still think Boston is in the running!
Whiskey and leather balls
He wants more than 172 mill? For what? 7 years
Tigersfan82
I personally find these polls completely a waste of time.Also i just want to hear about actual transactions speculating on who might get this player or that player is completely boring unless your desperate for any news about your team.The stupidest article are ones telling us teams where interested in a player after signing somewhere else.Who the bleep cares.
micpande
*you’re
Jacksson13
This site is named MLB TRADE RUMORS.
Too bad that more of the content is not about MLB TRADES.
Change the site name to:
MLB FREE AGENT SIGNING RUMORS !!
WiffleBall
Monty is going back to the Yanks, who will also sign Snell. They’ll move Cortes and Schmidt to the bullpen as long relievers to help stabilize a rotation with question marks.
Yanks will also sign Bellinger to play center (moving Judge back to RF and Grisham/Verdugo to the bench) and then sign Rhys Hoskins to play 1B.
They will then send Stanton and Rizzo to the Angels for a pair of low-level prospects and move DJL and Peraza to the Cardinals for Nolan Arenado.
Black Ace57
I hope the Yankees do but I think Cashman will be too stubborn. If they sign him it’s a partial admission trading him was wrong.
WiffleBall
No it’s not. He said when he traded him that he still liked him. He also traded away Chapman then signed him. Let’s go, a Cole/Rodon/Stroman/Monty/Snell/Cease rotation would be pretty solid!
slider32
It’s not about feelings, it’s about money and fit. Monte appears to want to return to Rangers, you can’t blame him they just won the world series.
Ltsz2904
Standards in MLB are a bit lower.. 10-11 with a 3.20 ERA doesn’t seem dominant.. Pedro, Justin, Max that’s dominance.
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
You can’t be talking about Max Scherzer in the same sentence as Pedro Martinez. Are you??? Kershaw and deGrom are in that league, and Verlander may only be a slight push, though.
GSWfanklay
Monty reminds me of prime Bumgarner. Just a lot nicer
relytive
#1, #2, #3 etc starters… these are such meaningless terms; but an ace, a workhorse, a swingman, a bullpen anchor, I can understand those nomenclature as vague as they may seem. Professional baseball teams need to move away from viewing starters as 1 or 3 or 5, and so do scouts and data analysts.
PutPeteinthehall
6-27m per. Rangers. Diamond getting an infusion from Amazon.
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
I wish, but somehow, they are saying a company indefinitely saved from bankruptcy can still opt out of deals like the Rangers’ 20 year/3 Billion deal, so I don’t know. I thought if you keep operating, you can’t just not honor your contracts.
SweetBabyRayKingsThickThighs
Artie needs another big splash
WiffleBall
My 400lb friend Artie agrees.
radhippo
100% Agree. But I hope the splash is a little bigger than Monty. He’s good, not great. The Angles have a few “good” SP already. They need an Ace!
prov356
Moreno never “splashes” with a pitcher. He always misses out and pivots to signing a washed up big bat for too much and too long: Pujols, Rendon, Hamilton, et al.
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
The Rangers won’t even spend a few million a year for guys like Brebbia, Suter, or Yuki Matsui. What makes you guys think they will sign a guy seeking more total money than Aaron Nola? I don’t blame them for not spending like crazy, but I do wish they would have traded for cheap pitching or at least spent that TJS Tyler Mahle money elsewhere.
Mikenmn
Not seeing the Yankees go for this. His a genuinely good pitcher,,,but good is not great, they had a chance to see him upfront, and they won’t want to go for an out-of pocket $50M per (including the tax). Of course, this probably means I’m wrong…
LFGMets (Metsin7) #ConsistentlyBannedBaseballExpert
Monty is a fourth starter who had a good postseason. He really should be getting something around 3 years at 15 to 20 mil a year. He won’t sniff 150 mil. Look at Kevin Gausman who has been a much better pitcher than Monty. He signed a 5 year 110 million dollar deal 2 years ago. Monty is 2 tiers below Gausman. Heck I’d take Chris Bassit over him too. Bassit got a contract that Monty should be getting
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
He has been above average in ERA and FIP the last 3 years, and a number 4 starter is below average. Saying he is a 2 or 3 at least makes some sense, though I agree on the money and him being overrated.
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
It looks like MLBTR’s predictions Bellinger, Candelario, and Madea were way over on AAV, and Yuki Matsui’s deal was as well. I don’t see Matt Chapman or Bellinger getting that much total money.
Rishi
I thought I was optimistic on Montgomery, but wow…150m or less as the low vote is still probably a lot. I could see 150 but I don’t wanna sign it. I like him for maybe 90-110m for 4-5 years. I’m cheap tho. Free agency is expensive. Develop players.
Bobby Mongan
The Orioles do not need to fleece a few of their top prospects for a pitcher who may or may not be statistically better or make the pitching staff significantly better than the 4 starters they have at the moment. Not to mention the possibility of Tyler Wells returning as a starter. I don’t believe they should sign a big name starter either when that money could be better spent on the top players on the roster by giving them extensions. Everyone wants the O’s to sign or trade for a big name starter but they won’t 101 games last year without one. Sure they lost to the Texas Rangers. But didn’t every team?
Citizen1
Monty’s possible request for a no trade clause could be a sticking point.
Todd Kemmerer
Pirates all day
jumps
Monty is the perfect example of the issue this winter. While the Diamond bankruptcy is hitting some teams hard, Scott Boras is the biggest roadblock this winter in terms of an interesting free agency.
The top 4 free agents left on the market (Snell, M. Chapman, Montgomery, & Bellinger) are all flawed players, all represented by Boras. While some Boras clients end up being good signings, I think FO’s still think about guys like Conforto & Rodon and how bad their contracts/demands are/were.
These guys are holding up the market for their own positions as well as the trade market because teams want leverage. Guys like Bieber & Cease aren’t being moved because teams still have options on the FA market. There’s certainly enough holes in each of those player’s games that teams may not give them the money they want.
I don’t begrudge players money, get the bag you can. But as a fan, it’s been nearly 3 months of nothing. The Ohtani & Yamamoto negotiations were kept private and Nola re-signed very early. It’s understandable that the middle class free agents don’t feel comfortable signing just yet because they want to see where the market is set with the top level.
It’s not like a few years ago when everyone was icing the free agents. That collusion between teams was despicable. Hopefully we’ll see some traction and if Boras is willing to step back on some of these salary demands.
GSWfanklay
This seems to be the normal snails pace of free agency. The big names go fast but the rest….
jumps
Compared to 10 year ago, sure. But the top 4 free agents all have a narrative you could spin to say they’re a premier free agent. Snell being the reigning and 2x CYA winner, Monty was the best postseason pitcher on the WS champs that included DeGrom & Scherzer on it. Bellinger being a former ROY & MVP who may have recaptured his swing and M. Chapman if not for Nolan Arenado, he would probably be remembered as being the best defensive 3B of his generation. Plus he has an above average bat.
But all have major warts/concerns that may turn teams away from handing out big money to them. Plus, I saw on another thread, compared to last year. Before Hader signed, last year on the same date, 47 of the MLBTR Top 50 FA’s were signed. This year, it’s only 30 (it was 32 before Hader & Stephenson signed).
Citizen1
If you look at mlbtr list, most free agents have signed. Too many ohtani stories buried those signings. It did used to be every team was in on free agents. I think clubs look at the angels getting burned by their signings. cj Wilson – had a run with the rangers, a few good years with the angels but they never won the ws on those signing’s including pujhols. Rendon is a bum. Braves too with bj upton. Wait til spring training when the clubs can figure if the remaining free agents are healthy.
slider32
Looks like Snell and Monte are the last to sign, there price is just too high.
I.M. Insane
Who are the 527 who voted for Boston? Breslow, Kennedy and Henry’s families? Just to get the fans excited?
stymeedone
Maybe its Montgomery’s wife’s friends and family.
AmericanRedneck
I keep hearing he’s waiting on the Rangers elsewhere, yet I feel like the Red Sox or Angels will pounce soon.
GSWfanklay
Comparing Ohtani to anyone else in this year’s market is ludicrous. And the other foreign players have a time limit to sign, posting system. And the one guy was always going with Shohie
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
He would be a great addition to the Cubs but I think their good on starters right now. They already have 3 projected LH starters. 4 might be overkill even with a 6 man rotation which is what I hope they do.
The Cubs priority right now should be to re-sigm Bellinger. Unless Boras refuses to lower his asking price and still wants over 200mil. Then I’d be okay letting him walk. And they’d get a compensation pick in the process.
chrcritter
Montgomery will sign with whatever team offers the most money. Boreass says so
The Saber-toothed Superfife
You have NO idea how upset I am they didn’t hire the Superfife.
Old York
Phillies
6 yrs, $110M
sfjackcoke
The Rangers are waiting for ANY news on their RSN, without a long term RSN in place, offering long term deals is challenging, look at what happened to San Diego.
All Boras clients left, to get them you will NEED be the highest bidder, however it does seem like Texas can “match” an offer on Monty and get him.. I think SFG is likely to be the one after Texas who is best positioned financially and roster fit to add Montgomery. I think their public posturing on Snell is just that, if they were too risk adverse to sign Gausman, two wrongs don’t make a right by them getting Snell who IMO is this year’s Kris Bryant.
IMO the SFG get one Bellinger, Montgomery, Chapman, and my preference is in that order.
MC Tim C
Thank you for not having the Dodgers as an option. The last thing they need is a SP but they also seem to think they’re entitled to every good player.
dano62
Tigers or Reds ready to swoop in for a bargain…
Nosferatu Zodd
The term Ace does not mean what people think it does. Some teams it’s the best starter. Some it might be a dominate reliever. Even on others a vet that leads the young starters by example even if he isn’t the best pitcher. More and more with 8 man bullpins with 3-4 reserves in triple A you need a bullpen ace.
its_happening
If there was a guy to splash “some” money on that won’t hurt you if he gets hurt and will help you a ton if he remains healthy, it Montgomery and the Orioles. To blow prospects you do it for top shelf guys, not for Cease who’s been amazing for 1 season. Use those trade chips at the deadline.
baseballguru
Montgomery is a solid #3 he’s not a #2…6 150 is the MAX I see more like 5 125 is about right. Snell at 240 or 270 is laughable never happening.