Baseball fans from New York are hoping for a Jordan Montgomery - Yankees reunion, but what is the probability of that happening?
The 31-year-old pitcher spent five seasons with the New York Yankees before getting traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022.
He was then traded mid-season of 2023 to the Texas Rangers, with whom he won his first World Series title in an increased role. He became one of the Rangers' ace throwers on the way to their first-ever title.
Montgomery instantly became a fan favorite in 2023. When he entered free agency by the end of the season, many fans, including those of his former team, the Yankees, wanted his services again.
However, he is still without a team, with the deadline coming soon and the arbitration kicking off on January 29.
Where will he end up playing? Here are the latest details on Jordan Montgomery's pro baseball future.
1. Favorites to sign him
The chances of a Jordan Montgomery-Yankees reunion are low, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Instead, he might see himself back at the Globe Life Field.
"A reunion between Montgomery and the Yankees appears to be a long shot at this point, though the other clubs could still be in play," the writer wrote.
"That said, a return to Texas remains the most logical and likely conclusion to Montgomery's free agency."
Feinsand also said that the Rangers were looking at Josh Hader, too, but he already signed with the Houston Astros. This only increased the probability of Montgomery returning to the Rangers.
2. Teams interested in Montgomery
Another MLB insider, Jon Heyman, said there are at least five teams whose interest in Montgomery remains. They are the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, and Yankees.
The Angeles have yet to find a replacement for Shohei Ohtani, who left them for state rivals Los Angeles Dodgers.
3. Montgomery's contract demand
Jordan Montgomery just concluded his one-year $10 million contract, and they are looking for a significantly more significant deal.
His agent, Scott Boras, reportedly seeks a six-year, $162 million deal.
It is unknown whether the Rangers are ready to offer him that much. Last season, he posted a 10-11 win-loss record as a starter, finishing with a 3.20 ERA, a 4.1 WAR, and 166 strikeouts in 188.2 innings.
4. Dane Dunning wants to run it back with Jordan
"I hope nothing but success for him. I hope he comes back with the Rangers. I pray he does. But wherever he ends up, I know he's going to be a bulldog and I know he's going to do great," Dunning said.
This is how badly he wants to play with Montgomery again. It is not unlikely, based on Montgomery's recent pronouncement.
5. Montgomery prefers Rangers
NJ.com's Randy Miller said that the 31-year-old pitcher is willing to play for the Rangers again, reasoning that he loves Texas and his teammates.
If he ever rejoins the Rangers, there is a chance he will not get the contract he initially demanded.
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