USA Today via Reuters
Oct 3, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (52) reacts after striking out Tampa Bay Rays pinch hitter Junior Caminero (1) to end the seventh inning during game one of the Wildcard series for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 3, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (52) reacts after striking out Tampa Bay Rays pinch hitter Junior Caminero (1) to end the seventh inning during game one of the Wildcard series for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
In the riling free agency market of the 2023 offseason, there’s a certain pitcher who’s trailing as the best prospect of this year, right behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Jordan Montgomery chose free agency after completing his one-year stint with the Texas Rangers. And MLB insiders have something to say about his recent postseason dominance with the Rangers.
Jordan Montgomery was instrumental in the team’s first-ever World Series win this season. But the player stood out in the barrage of prospects available to be drafted for more than one reason. “You know what you’re gonna get” – only after reflecting on the ace’s agility, resilience, and winner’s mentality can we understand the weight of this statement.
Why is Jordan Montgomery the next big thing in the MLB free agency market?
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In a recent video shared on X, formerly Twitter, MLB Network personalities Harold Reynolds and Matt Vasgersian speculated on the scope of Jordan Montgomery’s future, considering his monumental success this year. “Montgomery is the only reliable guy on there that has not had an injury; you know what you’re gonna get, there’s not a question.” Gumby has been pretty consistent with his form for the past few years, whether it’s pitching or striking out hitters and his stats easily reflect it.
"If [Jordan Montgomery] lands on a perennial winning club, he has a chance to really put up some big numbers."
Harold and Matt discuss the free agent starting pitcher market outside of the big fish, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/El8xgdtq1G
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 20, 2023
The ace struck out 166 times with a WAR of 4.1 and a low ERA of 3.20 across 188.2 innings pitched this season. That counts to an approximate 1.13 strikeouts per inning pitched. In seven years of his career, he has struck out 705 with one complete shutout under his belt. That certainly calls for a high-value offer for his impending 2024 future. What do his predictions look like as of now?
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His Free Agency Future
The teams currently interested in pinching the ace are the Rangers, the Mets, and the Yankees, with the Rangers having the most chance to lock him down for the next season. ESPN columnist Jeff Passan predicted Jordan Montgomery’s contract would reach the threshold of around $140 million for a six-year deal. Which would be much like Patrick Corbin’s deal with the Nationals. However, recent changes in other free agency agreements might drive that number up in the range of $170 million.
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Aaron Nola’s contract getting a $172 million stamp only means that a player with a higher caliber like Monty (Nola posted 4.09 in 96 starts and Gumby posted a 3.48 ERA in 94 starts since 2021) will fetch a contract that perfectly matches his stature. Only time will tell who bags the big prize.
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