Latest Yankees Rumor Involves Big-Name Reunion Ahead of 2024 Season
By Jovan Alford
After missing out on star Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the New York Yankees are still searching for a bonafide starter to bolster their rotation.
The longer they wait, the harder that move will be for the Yankees. But there's still hope available in the form of a certain former Yankee.
Yankees News: Jordan Montgomery Rumors Heating Up
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Yankees would “love” a reunion with free-agent starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery. Passan also adds that the Rangers want to re-sign the southpaw but don’t know how Diamond Sports’ bankruptcy will affect their television deal.
Montgomery had an impressive run with the Rangers in the postseason that saw him post a 3-1 record and 2.90 ERA in six outings (five starts). The 31-year-old starting pitcher also had a 4-2 record and 2.79 ERA in 11 regular season starts with the Rangers after being acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in July.
The veteran southpaw began his professional baseball career with the Yankees, spending six seasons in the Bronx. Montgomery had a 22-20 record with a 3.94 ERA.
The left-handed pitcher's last season in New York was in 2022, posting an ERA of 3.69 and a 3-3 record in 21 starts. The Yankees traded Montgomery in August of that season to St. Louis for Harrison Bader.
Montgomery would be an instant upgrade to a Yankees’ starting rotation that doesn’t have a ton of juice behind ace Gerrit Cole. New York didn’t re-sign Luis Severino, who joined the Mets on a one-year, $13 million deal in free agency.
Then there’s Carlos Rodon, who struggled in his first season with the Yankees as he dealt with injury. Rodon only made 14 starts and had an ERA of 6.85.
For the Yankees to compete in a competitive AL East that features multiple playoff teams from last season, they must make a significant move at pitcher. Montgomery might be that guy to get them back into the postseason.
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.