Jordan Montgomery’s Future Short-Term Deal Confirmed? Blake Snell’s $62 Million Pact Bursts Free Agency Bubble

In a game of falling dominoes, Jordan Montgomery remains the lone unyielding pillar. From being top of the class to barely getting a deal – the Scott Boras clients have come a long way this offseason. It isn’t shocking that estimates have failed. After all, baseball is quite unpredictable. Yet with all three of the Boras Four going for a short-term deal, one wonders just how much longer Monty can hold on. 

Ever since the beginning, Montgomery was the one that was in the most advantageous position. The 2023 World Series champion had neither the burden of a qualifying offer, nor did he come with the baggage of inconsistent performances. His market was robust, but things never escalated. Now he’s found himself as the lone wolf. In this situation, there’s only one thing in every mind – is a short-term deal the way out for Montgomery?

Is a short-term deal beneficial for Jordan Montgomery?

It isn’t surprising that Blake Snell signed a two-year $62 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. After all, his free agency had gone quiet, and betting on himself became the only option. Now with a chance to enter the market again next season, Snell might get that large deal that he was looking for. However, the situation is a little different for Monty. 

Unlike Snell, Montgomery didn’t have the sword of a qualifying offer hanging over his head. Part of the reason why Snell’s free agency was so light is because teams didn’t want to face penalties. So when Snell re-enters the market, he’ll probably be free of these shackles. On the other hand, if Monty gets a qualifying offer next season – it would hinder his chances.

Does it mean there’s no chance for a short-term deal? That’s too tough to say. Famous baseball writer Greg Zumach speculated whether Boras and Monty are delaying his signing to avoid a qualifying offer. One rule dictates that a player should be on the team before the Opening Day for him to become eligible to get a qualifying offer – what if that’s causing the delay? 

If one looks at it from that angle – a short-term deal starts looking more likely. Especially because Monty’s market looks quite robust, even after the exit of the Giants.

Interest remains high on Monty, but a deal still seems a far cry

Even after all this time, the Boston Red Sox look the closest to signing him. The injury to Lucas Giolito has opened a massive hole in that squad. And the Red Sox and Montgomery have talked before. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman had shared that the Red Sox were “disinclined to the seven-year deal Montgomery seeks.” One wonders if the stance changes for a short-term deal.

Then there’s the Los Angeles Angels who showed their interest last month. The team is currently short of quality starters. On top of that, a short-term deal for Monty is right up the alley of Arte Moreno. As a result, hopes are still alive for Monty to soon be the last domino to fall for Scott Boras.

Read more: Amidst Blake Snell’s Astros Buzz, Will Jordan Montgomery Be the Only Scott Boras Client Unsigned on Opening Day?