Astros Shut Down Jordan Montgomery Rumors, Other Pitching Options in Sight?

The Houston Astros’ well-publicized pursuit of free agent Blake Snell ended in disappointment when the lefty inked a deal with the San Francisco Giants. The setback leaves Houston with questions about their rotation depth. The Astros’ interest in Snell suggests that they’re seeking further stability on the mound, but who else could they target now?

Let’s not forget, folks, that injuries have plagued the Astros’ pitching staff. Justin Verlander is set to start the season on the injured list, Jose Urquidy’s status is uncertain, and Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia remain sidelined after surgeries. With those heavy hitters potentially unavailable for significant stretches, the question of “who fills the gap?” looms large.

Jordan Montgomery: A missed opportunity?

One name that’s been tossed around is Montgomery’s. The southpaw enjoyed a solid 2023 with both the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals, posting a respectable 3.20 ERA over 32 starts. However, the Astros seem to have cooled on Montgomery, as reported by revered insider Jim Bowden.

Some suggest his less-than-stellar performance down the stretch might be the reason. But let’s remember: The Astros have faced off against Montgomery plenty of times. They know his strengths, his weaknesses, and, crucially, whether he fits their game plan. So, if not Jordan Montgomery, then who? Let’s dive into two potential options that could be on Houston’s radar.

Former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber boasts undeniable talent. Despite injury concerns last season, he can still give Montgomery a hard time in several key areas, like K/9 and bases allowed. The lingering question with Bieber is his health: did those elbow issues last year signal a long-term problem, or was it a temporary setback?

Acquiring Bieber, should the Cleveland Guardians be open to a trade, is a gamble the Astros might be willing to take. His track record, when healthy, suggests he could be a difference-maker. However, the Guardians won’t let him go cheap, and the Astros must weigh his price tag against their financial flexibility and Bieber’s potential health concerns. In comes their next possible pitching addition: the versatile veteran Michael Lorenzen.

A 2023 All-Star, Lorenzen offers a different kind of appeal. He has transitioned successfully from the bullpen to the starting rotation. He possesses a unique advantage: he can also provide value as a reliever, offering the Astros much-needed flexibility. This versatility makes him a compelling prospect and a perfect replacement for Jordan Montgomery, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the Astros’ list of injured starters.

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However, Lorenzen’s late-season slump last year is a cause for concern. Did he hit a wall as a starter, or was it just a blip? The Astros would need to be confident that he can sustain his performance over an entire season before making a move. And while likely more affordable than Bieber, Lorenzen has reportedly turned down multiple one-year offers. Could the Astros entice him onto the team?

The Verdict: Who will fit the bill for Astros?

Ultimately, the Astros’ decision to see past Jordan Montgomery will come down to a careful evaluation of risk versus reward. While Bieber offers the potential for ace-level performance, his injury history makes him a risky acquisition. Lorenzen provides versatility and likely comes with a smaller price tag, but it raises questions about stamina and consistency. Compared to Montgomery, both Bieber and Lorenzen offer unique advantages but also distinct concerns.

The Astros have a history of savvy trades and signings, as Dana Brown, their General Manager, has shown. Brown has indicated that further roster moves for this season aren’t out of the question yet, saying, “We might add something later [near the trade deadline], but right now I think our team’s built to win and we’re ready to go,” to The Athletic.

It is clear that Houston won’t stand still. While Jordan Montgomery may be off the table, there’s still plenty of talent available, and with Opening Day fast approaching, it won’t be long before we see the Astros shore up their rotation and prepare to launch their championship defense.

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