New York Yankees Prospect Set to Replace Gerrit Cole? Jordan Montgomery Deal Still on Amidst Rotation Doubts

Uncertainties cloud the horizon as Spring Training enters its final stretch. For instance, despite it looking likely that the New York Yankees might sign a pitcher to replace Gerrit Cole, they’ve found huge candidates within their organization as well. While multiple names have come up as possible candidates, the buck has stopped with their favorite pitching prospect Will Warren. But then enters Jordan Montgomery.

Remember Scott Boras – The super agent who rarely failed? Well, this offseason has been nothing less than a nightmare for him. However, Montgomery was that bird that he wished would soar higher than the skies. Cole’s injury came in as a huge opportunity for him but things have merely moved since then. So now with Warren staking his claim on that spot – one wonders whether Monty has lost another chance at a reunion.

Will Warren’s rise – a question mark for Jordan Montgomery 

Will Warren’s earlier start against the Boston Red Sox was a classic tale of two halves. During his first inning, Warren was smacked all around the ballpark. With just one out in his first inning, Warren was called out. However, when he returned after the second, the prospect was a different man. Suddenly he was razor-focused and struck out hitter after hitter.

The fact that out of Warren’s 6 runs, only 2 were earned showed that defensive errors had spelled disaster for the pitcher. Then on Friday, as reported by New York Post the pitcher threw five innings and 71 pitches against the New York Mets. With just one run given, Warren’s claim for that fifth spot became even stronger. That’s where Montgomery’s situation comes into the picture.

While the Yankees may have started talking to Monty, things haven’t grown much till now. Every discussion is bound to revolve around that 110% tax that the Bronx Bombers will have to pay this year. While Montgomery doesn’t have the draft baggage that Blake Snell had, his flyball pitching style might be holding him back (Yankees like their pitchers missing the bat).

So at least in monetary terms, an in-house replacement for Gerrit Cole might seem more attractive to the Yankees. However, that’s where the confusion starts as even within the organization they have a huge competition brewing for that no.5 spot.

Luis Gil’s sudden rise leads to the Yankees scratching their heads 

Luis Gil was the starter of that Mets game. While Warren’s time on the mound was impressive, Gil’s wasn’t any worse. Gil threw 4 innings, gave out two runs, and got 5 strikeouts. Overall the firebreathing pitcher built up to 63 pitches. His performance was such that Aaron Boone commented that the pitcher has put up “a really strong case” to make the Yankees Opening Day roster (via MLB.com).

Clearly, the Yankees aren’t short of options currently. That’s something that can sting Scott Boras as once again the superagent has no leverage. Still, the fact that talks have started cannot be anything but a positive development for Montgomery and Boras. But will they successfully close the deal? 

Read more: New York Yankees’ Top Catching Prospect Ready for Opening Day? Austin Wells Faces Jose Trevino for Starting Role