USA Today via Reuters
Oct 3, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (52) reacts after striking out Tampa Bay Rays pinch hitter Junior Caminero (1) to end the seventh inning during game one of the Wildcard series for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 3, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (52) reacts after striking out Tampa Bay Rays pinch hitter Junior Caminero (1) to end the seventh inning during game one of the Wildcard series for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Montgomery could play in Pinstripes again. The former New York Yankees pitcher was meandering during his Big Apple stay. Never getting a chance to lead the bullpen, he ended up getting traded to the St. Louis Cardinals and then the Texas Rangers. That’s when the magic happened, as Monty flourished in this postseason spotlight. His impact was such that he became one of the biggest reasons for the Lone Stars’ World Series win. Now he’s a coveted free agent.
One team reportedly interested in the ace is his former club. Things have changed since the last time Montgomery played there and he could now be a massive game-changer for the Pinstripes both on and off the field.
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How Jordan Montgomery could improve atmosphere in the Bronx
The Athletic recently posted a list of players they believed the Yankees could go after. A discussion about Montgomery was a must and praise for the ace came in the form of numbers. “There’s a case to be made that outside of Yamamoto, Montgomery is the second-best available starter, ahead of National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell,” wrote Brendan Kuty and Chris Kirschner.
While it’s true that Monty has improved tremendously since he last played for Yankees the other side of the coin is that the Bombers have bombed hard since his departure. When they traded him in 2022, they were en route to a 99-win season. The team deemed him expendable due to their pitching depth but 2023 was when their fortunes turned as Monty won a World Series and the Yankees missed the playoffs.
This has led to a lot of negativity around the Bronx squad. The love that Jordan Montgomery commands from the clubhouse and fans is a reason enough to get him back. He’d bring positive vibes which they desperately need and coupled with his on-field growth, it’s a match made in heaven.
Why the Yankees need Montgomery as their ace
In 6 years under the Bronx Bombers, he had an ERA of 3.94. In the last two years, it has been 3.31 and 2.79. Added to that he has become adept at using curveballs. All of this can really help as the Yankees currently need a quality supporter for Gerrit Cole and a bit of variety in their bullpen.
Read more: Jon Morosi Predicts Yankees Deal for Juan Soto, Expects Bombers to Go All in on 25YO Star
Montgomery, who left as a fringe player, could see himself returning as a starting pitcher. Even though there were rumors that he had problems with Yankees management, Monty cleared them a long while ago. That sets the stage for a great start if both sides be willing.
Could the prodigal son return to his kingdom? Could he help create another dynasty?
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Written by
Edited by
Arunima Bhanot