Jordan Montgomery Sweepstakes Intensify, Lefty Ace Deal Near as Rangers and Red Sox Duel Heats Up

The Boras four are currently ruling this offseason. With Spring Training right around the corner, the interest is growing in these four players. But like every group before, one question is constant – who will set the dominoes falling between them? While Cody Bellinger and the Cy Young winner Blake Snell are generating a lot of noise, there’s a growing consensus that Jordan Montgomery could be the one who sends the ball rolling. 

The World Series winner probably has the biggest market out of all the Scott Boras clients this offseason. His experience and the general upward trajectory of performances have sent many executives salivating at the possibility of having Monty on their team. But among this growing list, two names are much ahead of the competition: the World Champs Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox.

A union before the Spring Training for Jordan Montgomery? 

Out of all Bellinger, Snell, Monty, and Matt Chapman, it was Monty’s free agency that surprised fans the most. That despite a good list of suitors, Boras chose to stretch it was surprising. But now that the Spring Training is near, there are speculations about when he’ll sign. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi has given his predictions.

“I believe Montgomery will sign by Thursday,” Morosi shared, adding that the pitchers prefer joining the Spring Training early. This way they can spend more time with the catchers, which helps in creating chemistry. With meetings set to begin from 14/15 Feb, there’s a limited time remaining for Monty. 

The most interesting part, however, was when the insider revealed who the main competitors were, “The Rangers are the favorites to sign him, but I wonder if the Red Sox could make a late push by clearing salary with a Kenley Jansen trade.” These two names have been linked since the beginning and for a good reason.

Watch This Story: Unveiling The Top 5 MLB Icons, Creating Buzz In The Free-Agent Market This Offseason

The Rangers won their first World Series with Montgomery, so that relationship has certainly been fruitful. On the other hand, Monty currently resides in Boston and that could factor into his decision to join the Red Sox. However, both teams have issues that they need to overcome first.

The payroll troubles for the suitors

The Rangers are one of the prime victims of the Diamond Sports’ bankruptcy. This has led to uncertainty over their revenue for 2024 and beyond. Without clarity over their balance sheet, the team has been reluctant to invest in the free agent market till now. While things could be clearing soon, there’s still a big fight left the Lone Stars.

Similarly, the Red Sox have their own payroll troubles. Unlike the Rangers, these are self-inflicted wounds. The BoSox are functioning on a very tight budget, and that has led to a general absence from the free agent market.

With both teams having their own troubles, it’s a wait-and-watch situation in Montgomery’s free agency as of now.

Read more: San Francisco Giants’ Pitching Raises Doubts, Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery Links Intensify Amidst Injury Concerns