Jordan Montgomery had appeared to be a solid acquisition for the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline.
He had established himself as a solid middle of the rotation arm, someone that could help solidify a pitching staff with an eye on the postseason. Montgomery did not disappoint with the Rangers, posting a 2.79 ERA and a 1.094 WHiP over his 67.2 innings, striking out 58 batters with 13 walks. He had placed himself solidly into that second tier of free agent starting pitchers.
Jordan Montgomery making money with Texas Rangers
Then came the playoffs. Montgomery had been excellent in his brief time in the postseason before and has continued that performance this year. He has allowed seven runs, six earned, on 21 hits and four walks over his 22.2 innings during the Rangers playoff runs, striking out 16 batters with four walks. Montgomery has also been able to somewhat shut down the white hot Yordan Alvarez during the ALCS, something that is borderline miraculous at this point.
Montgomery was already going to attract plenty of attention in free agency. His two previous teams – the Yankees and Cardinals – are reportedly amongst those interested in his services. The Rangers would likely want him back as well. He is going to be a hot commodity when free agency begins.
He is also proving to be far more than anyone would have expected. Montgomery showed he can be a staff ace when the Rangers rotation was beset with injuries. He could be a perfect alternative to those pitchers regarded as top of the rotation arms, providing a bit of savings with the same production. Chances are, some team will look to see if he can replicate that success for the long term as their new ace.
Jordan Montgomery has improved his free agent stock with the Texas Rangers. He is set to get paid handsomely this offseason.
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