The New York Yankees seemed to be in trouble when Juan Soto headed to their crosstown rivals. But miraculously, many are now calling that a blessing in disguise. That’s because the team has spread out that money and got in good players. So, right now, the starting rotation does look strong. Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil, and, of course, Max Fried—basically, the team looks set. But in baseball, nothing is set in stone, and sometimes multiple people get out with injuries. Though, one question has come forth: Should the Yanks reunite with Jordan Montgomery?

Now, Montgomery wore pinstripes before he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Harrison Bader. Now trading him brought some fascinating results. While Bader did shine for a bit in the postseason, Montgomery just aced. He played a crucial role in the Texas Rangers clinching the World Series title. However, when he came to the Arizona Diamondbacks, thanks to Scott Boras’ late signings, his results were not all that impressive. He had a 6.23 ERA over 117 innings. The late signing meant he didn’t get spring training, and that was the result. However, now it seems like he needs a change, and the Yankees have a spot. Jeremy Nielsen of SB Nation feels it’s the perfect time for a reunion.

A plausible reunion in the picture at the Bronx for Montgomery?

Jordan Montgomery’s struggles in Arizona are indeed evident. But his play the year earlier cannot be discounted. He had a 3.20 ERA across 189 innings. Jeremy Nielsen suggested that the Bronx might benefit both the player and the team, more so if injuries arise in the rotation. We saw injuries plague players this season. “Montgomery could serve as a break-glass-in-case-of-long-term-injury option,” Nielsen wrote. Moreover, given that Montgomery knows the Yankee way properly, not to mention he has a good rapport with the members like Aaron Judge, it makes sense. He also can handle those clutch moments.

“If the Yankees traded for Montgomery, he’d escape a toxic situation in Arizona and return to the organization that drafted and developed him. He’d also get a full spring training this time around instead of missing camp entirely while holding out for a better deal that never came,” said Nielsen in the article. Now, there were rumors that Jordan Montgomery had some bad blood with the Yankees. But he himself denied it completely. In a previous interview, he said, “I’ve got no bad blood.”

Jordan Montgomery mentioned that the NY Yankees drafted him, and he had six good years there in the big leagues and plenty of good relationships with players there. “Media can try to stir up as much bad blood as they want, but I have nothing but respect for them,” Montgomery mentioned. Hence it’s not far-fetched to think he might just end up back to where he started. Right now the New York Yankees’ decision will hinge on their confidence in their rotation. They already have Marcus Stroman as an additional starting option. There were rumors that he would be traded, but nothing’s set in stone now.

Diamondbacks owner blasts Jordan Montgomery

So just picture this: a team owner takes the time to not just express his regret but also call a signing the biggest mistake of the season. That’s exactly what Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick did when discussing Jordan Montgomery’s time in Arizona. “If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you’re talking to the guy that should be blamed,” Kendrick mentioned. He didn’t stop there; he even called it “a horrible decision to invest that money.” Jordan had signed a $47 million deal with the Diamondbacks. But that statement by Kendrick sure was brutal.

Montgomery had opted into his $22.5 million player option this year. So now the narrative is what’s next. The D’backs already signed Corbin Burnes, which means they are serious about getting somewhere. Hence, right now Montgomery’s name is floating like a possible trade chip. But if not the Yankees, then who? Seems like even the Atlanta Braves are in the picture. They lost Max Fried to the Yankees and have a rotation gap.

Jordan Montgomery, with his postseason success previously, can fit in perfectly. His Arizona Diamondbacks chapter is far from perfect, but he has what it takes to rebound in a city that wants to win another championship.