New York Mets to Target Jordan Montgomery? Rising Injury Concerns Impact Starting Rotation

The New York Mets, who would have stepped into the 2024 season with an epic level of enthusiasm, encountered a significant setback with their center of aspiration, Kodai Senga’s shoulder injury. Now that the Japanese pitcher remains sidelined for a couple of weeks, will the team opt for another critical addition?

The Mets have been eyeing the biggest title of MLB, the World Series, since 1986, and with Senga in their troop, they started dreaming of the same in the upcoming season. Unfortunately, their dreams were shattered as their star player, Senga, suffered a shoulder injury during spring training, which left him unable to play for the remainder of the season. Now, as the team remains optimistic about his bouncing back, are they searching for a backup option in the free agency market?

The free-agency market still has some icons to offer to the New York Mets

The free-agency market isn’t yet stripped, as Jordan Montgomery is still garnering the outfield with Adam Duvall, Eddie Rosario, Tommy Pham, Michael A. Taylor, and some other remarkable names. Among them, Montgomery is becoming the most fitting candidate for the team with a record of posting a 3.10 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in his career-high 188.2 innings last season and is actively searching for a new home. Now, as Senga becomes benched for three weeks after receiving PRP injections, speculations see a potential connection between them.

However, according to the team president, Davis Stearns, the team is well-equipped with its current setting. In light of that, he also urged his fans not to expect any other notable addition to the team. Despite his clear statement, rumors are buzzing around regarding their connection with the super agent Scott Boras, who also represents Monty, shading a ray of hope for the fans.

At the same time, one cannot overlook the fact that the team is determined to set a limit on their monetary aspect as they are eyeing the icon, Pete Alonso, for a mid-season trade and are more interested in offering minor deals to bridge the gap set by Senga’s injury. But given their growing injury list, will the minor deals work for them?

Read More: LA Angels’ Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery Links Grow, Crucial Ace Search Continues

Can Monty become the Senga replacement?

Following the New York Mets’ starting pitcher, Senga’s injury, Jose Quintana became the only protected starting pitcher with his sub-4.00 ERA last season. At the same time, the no 5 spot will be vacant during the entire spring training, posing a significant reason for the New York Mets to frown. On top of that, 26-year-old Max Kranick enters the injured players list with a left hamstring strain, providing the team with additional concern. Thus, amidst a growing injury list, speculations turn toward Montgomery, who is still available in the free-agent market.

Read More: Jordan Montgomery Short-Term Pact Unlikely, as Rangers-Red Sox Battle Intensifies

Per previous reports, Montgomery asked something about Aaron Nola’s $172 million contract, and given the Mets’ deepest pocket, probability can not be overlooked. As posted by famous insider Jon Heman, “A healthy Senga/Montgomery combo would be a cornerstone to try to make the playoffs this year and to build around going forward,” indicating a full-fledged option for the Mets. However, until Montgomery finally finds his new home, Mets fans will surely keep their fingers crossed.