New York Yankees looking for a reunion with top free agent left-handed hurler
The Yankees are in the same boat as most of the teams this offseason, they need starting pitching, particularly pitchers who can eat innings.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is reportedly showing interest in former left-hander Jordan Montgomery, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
The club has been “looking” at the possibility of a reunion with Montgomery and signing top prized free agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The Yankees are expected to be linked to many free agent pitchers and potential trade targets this offseason.
Montgomery has reportedly been open to returning to either St. Louis or New York.
The Bronx Bombers traded Montgomery at the 2022 MLB trade deadline for outfielder Harrison Bader in a one-for-one swap.
Bader didn’t work out, playing in only 98 games with the Yankees, slashing .237/.274/.353 over 359 plate appearances before New York put him on waivers this past August. He landed with the Reds and finished the regular season in Cincy.
Aaron Boone has Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, Michael King, Nestor Cortes and Carlos Rodón has options for his rotation next season.
Rodón and Cortes missed time with injuries last season, which makes Cashman’s search for rotational depth important.
King is expected to remain in the rotation next season after being transitioned out of the bullpen. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we go 150-plus innings,” King said after the season. His final eight outings of the year were all starts and he posted an earned run average of 1.88 in that time.
The Red Sox have expressed interest in Montgomery and have already made contact with his agent, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
"(General Managers) Meetings update: Red Sox officials have spoken with the agent for (left-handed pitcher) Jordan Montgomery, who posted a 2.79 ERA in 11 regular-season starts for the World Series champs," Morosi said.
The lefty is coming off anchoring the Rangers rotation that just won the World Series. Montgomery posted a 3.20 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP with 166 strikeouts over 188 2/3 innings between Texas and St. Louis.
He went 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA down the stretch following the trade with the Rangers. The 6-foot-6 hurler went 3-1 in the playoffs.
Montgomery displayed his ability to be a big game pitcher during the postseason. He earned wins over the Rays and Astros in the AL Wild Card and Championship series.
MLB Trade Rumors projects Montgomery to sign a six-year, $150 million deal in free agency. Phillies’ Aaron Nola was projected for a similar deal before signing a seven-year, $172 million deal. Montgomery is not eligible for a qualifying offer due to his midseason trade to the Rangers. The team that signs the southpaw will not have to surrender draft pick compensation.
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