Yankees to Go All Out for Jordan Montgomery? Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes Jr.’s Struggles Impact Bombers’ Rotation

The New York Yankees enter the 2024 season aiming to reclaim their spot atop the American League East. But injuries to key pitchers have left their once-formidable rotation looking vulnerable. 2023 was a challenging year for Nestor Cortes Jr. and new signee Carlos Rodón, raising concerns about their ability to lead the staff. Enter Jordan Montgomery, the reliable southpaw who could be the key to revitalizing the Yankees’ pitching arsenal.

Montgomery’s familiarity with the Yankees organization and proven track record of success could make him a perfect fit. After spending the first several seasons of his career in pinstripes, he enjoyed stints with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers, even contributing to Texas’ surprise World Series victory last fall. As a free agent, a return to New York could be a shrewd move for both Montgomery and the Yankees. And there are good reasons why.

Jordan Montgomery provides stability; Yankees need reliability

Question marks loom large over the Yankees’ starting rotation. With their ace sidelined, lingering health concerns cloud the outlook for Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes Jr. As The Athletic points out, “In Yankees ace Gerrit Cole’s absence, the pressure on Carlos Rodón has intensified.” Cortes Jr.’s disappointing 4.97 ERA in 2023 adds to the unease.

Unlike the uncertainty surrounding some of their current starters, Montgomery has a track record of consistency. Over the past three seasons, he’s consistently logged over 155 innings, all while maintaining a respectable ERA below 3.83. The Post compares him to a pitcher like Eduardo Rodriguez, known for his precise control. This dependability is a valuable commodity for the Bombers, who need a steady hand to complement their flashier options.

Joel Sherman of The New York Post observes that it’s perplexing for Jordan Montgomery to remain a free agent this close to Opening Day. This suggests an opportunity for the Yankees to pounce. He’s unlikely to demand a salary on par with the top echelon of starters, making this acquisition both sensible and financially feasible. Here’s a pitcher with a proven record who won’t break the bank, especially if a deal is drawn with deferrals. Finally, let’s not forget Montgomery’s ability to perform under pressure.

Read More: New York Yankees’ Top Pitching Prospects MLB Ready? Bombers Face Tough Jordan Montgomery Negotiations Amidst $172 Million Demands

One of the reasons the Yankees initially traded him away was a concern about his postseason temperament. However, his recent playoff stints with both the Cardinals and Rangers have silenced those doubts. He showcased composure and delivered solid performances on the biggest stage.

The Post highlights this point, emphasizing that Montgomery “can rise in big moments, unperturbed by the month or environment.” With a reliable arm and a cool head in the clutch, market reports indicate that Montgomery could very likely be the key to unlocking the Yankees’ championship aspirations.

Yankees Rotation in Flux: Montgomery offers answers

As CBS Sports notes, Montgomery is “not exciting” but is definitely “reliable, and he can be part of something good if he’s put into the right situation,” the kind of pitcher whose performance you can count on, even if it might not be flashy. This dependability is vital for a Yankees rotation that currently lacks it.

Gerrit Cole’s injury sidelines one of their most reliable arms, leaving a significant spot to fill. Nestor Cortes Jr., the fan favorite with the deceptive pitching style, saw his stellar run come to a halt in 2023. A shoulder issue kept him from building on his 2022 All-Star performance and led to frequent mentions of having to check his physical well-being after outings. This reliance on constant monitoring hints at an underlying fragility. Additionally, his late-season struggles raise questions about his ability to sustain success over an entire year.

Despite back-to-back stellar seasons in 2021 and 2022, Carlos Rodón’s injury history casts doubts about his durability. The pressure to fill the void left by Cole, along with Rodón’s own history, raises concerns about his ability to shoulder a heavy workload, making the case for signing Jordan Montgomery all the more practical.

Read More: Carlos Rodón Ends Disaster Form in Latest Outing, Will He Light Up the Yankees’ Pitching Crisis?

Some might question Montgomery’s motivation for rejoining the team that traded him away. But CBS Sports makes a compelling argument: “He’s just better served when he’s not cast as the main attraction.”

Montgomery’s solid contributions and low-key temperament make him the perfect complement to the star-studded Yankees rotation, filling the gap with reliability and offering a much-needed stabilizing force.