The New York Yankees significantly improved their roster following a poor 82-80 season in 2023. As Opening Day approaches in 2024, expectations for the season rise. Could another addition to the rotation result from a reunion with southpaw Jordan Montgomery?
Most of the speculation about the Yankees potentially making another free-agent signing has centred on two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell. However, his willingness to sign a short-term contract with opt-outs makes an agreement with the Bombers doubtful. However, Montgomery is not yet prepared for such a contract.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post said on March 7 that the 2023 World Series champion is still looking for a long-term contract. Josh Wilson of FanSided writes that Monty’s contract choice “might work out nicely for New York.” If the southpaw signs a long-term deal in the Bronx, general manager Brian Cashman will be able to reduce the possible luxury tax hit.
Spotrac anticipates a six-year, $110 million deal for Montgomery. Even if a deal came close to Aaron Nola’s seven-year, $172 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, it would be a more manageable annual cost. In addition, because Montgomery did not get a qualifying offer, New York would not be required to sacrifice any 2024 MLB Draft picks or international bonus pool money.
Montgomery would improve the Yankees’ rotation depth.
According to FanGraphs’ Roster Resource, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes, and Clarke Schmidt are slated to start for the Yankees on Opening Day. If everything goes smoothly, this may be a good unit. However, Cashman recognizes that relying on the best-case scenario could be a mistake.
On February 5, SNY’s Andy Martino claimed that New York was not completely satisfied with its pitching upgrades. He also said that another shift before Opening Day is not out of the question. Rodón’s poor spring as he looks to rebound from a disastrous 2023 may force the club’s hand. In 5.2 innings, he has allowed four runs on six hits (three home runs), three walks, and six strikeouts.
Montgomery would offer a sense of stability to the Yankees’ rotation. Since 2021, he has made more than 30 starts per season. Monty has a 3.48 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 486 strikeouts over his last 524.1 innings pitched. The lefty also has experience pitching in New York. The Yankees picked him in 2014, and he played portions of six seasons with them.
Red Sox Might Consider Other Rotation Options.
For a time, the Boston Red Sox appeared to be a possible destination for Montgomery, but Lucas Giolito might be out for the entirety of 2024. As a result, the squad may now turn elsewhere for rotation enhancements. Another Heyman source claims that Boston may be looking for a “solid innings eater” such as Michael Lorenzen or Mike Clevinger.
It was previously unclear whether Montgomery would actually contemplate signing with the Red Sox. They’ve finished last three times since 2020, including the past two seasons.
“The Red Sox, according to sources, have kept tabs on Montgomery’s market,” Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reported on February 13. “But if it collapses in a way that leaves him available on a shorter-term deal, there’s an industry notion that he’ll go to a team with a better chance of winning in 2024 than the Red Sox. So, not impossible, but very unlikely.”
Can the Yankees swoop in and reunite with their old homegrown pitcher? If they do, it would benefit New York’s rotation while also hurting the Red Sox.
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