The Texas Rangers are taking a risky gamble in their pursuit of free-agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery this offseason. With Spring Training underway, a rotation spot remains open on the Lone Star team, and Montgomery’s reported $170 million+ price tag seems to be a sticking point for the clubhouse.

Are the Rangers playing hardball in hopes of driving the price down, or could this waiting game leave them without a crucial piece in their playoff plans?

Texas Rangers face a midsummer rotation crisis

The Rangers face a looming challenge in their starting rotation this year. Despite landing some solid arms this offseason, injuries to key players have left them exposed for the first half of the season. The reigning World Series champs will be without aces Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer as they recover from surgery. This vulnerability could provide a window of opportunity for Texas, if only they could solidify their pitching staff. Will Montgomery be the missing piece?

Jordan Montgomery could be the key to shoring up that rotation. He’s expressed interest in returning, but according to Audacy insider Bob Nightengale, the Texas Rangers are balking at the cost put out by him and his agent, Scott Boras. “I think (the Rangers are) thinking OK, we’re going to get deGrom back at some point, we’re going to get Scherzer back at some point in the second half as well, and see if we can go without them,” Nightingale says. “But I think they just keep waiting for Montgomery’s price to drop.”

Montgomery wants to land in Texas, and the team wants their champ back as well—but as Nightingale says, “I’m not sure they’re ready to take that big step financially to get him. I’m not sure what he’s asking, but basically, over $170 million, I’m not sure they think it’s worth it to do that.”

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A waiting game with high stakes and a higher number of contenders

The Texas Rangers reportedly aren’t alone in eyeing Montgomery; teams like the Boston Red Sox, SF Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Yankees remain interested. The longer the Rangers hold out, the greater the risk he winds up elsewhere.

Time is of the essence, and Texas faces a tough choice: pay the price of Boras’ wishes or miss out on strengthening their lineup for a deep playoff run with a proven ace like Monty. Could this gamble backfire?

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Fans will be holding their breath as this high-stakes negotiation plays out with Scott Boras, Montgomery’s notoriously tough agent. If the Texas Rangers end up overpaying, they could regret it down the road. But if they wait too long and lose their shot, the opportunity cost could haunt them all season.