As Opening Day approaches, left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery remains the premier free agent available on the market.
However, the landscape may soon shift, as Montgomery has reportedly received two “long-term” offers, and a decision on his next destination could be imminent, possibly even within the week.
While the identities of the offering teams remain undisclosed, recent speculation has linked Montgomery to potential interest from the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
Jordan Montgomery reportedly has two "long-term" offers on the table from unknown teams, and the #Phillies also have some (limited) level of interest: https://t.co/i7mYEyz0bC pic.twitter.com/lDZZardE6M
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) March 25, 2024
One absence from the list of suitors vying for Montgomery’s services appears to be the Philadelphia Phillies.
Although the Phillies have shown internal interest in Montgomery, they have not yet taken concrete steps to initiate discussions with his agent, Scott Boras, regarding a potential deal.
The Phillies’ interest in Montgomery, which initially centered on a one-year agreement before Spring Training, has reportedly since waned in recent weeks.
The Phillies’ apparent hesitancy to pursue Montgomery suggests that Philadelphia may be an unlikely landing spot for the left-hander, especially considering the absence of ongoing negotiations and the club’s reported preference for shorter-term contracts.
Given Montgomery’s ineligibility for a Qualifying Offer this offseason, there remains uncertainty about the impact of his potential reentry into free agency on his market value.
Considering the current financial landscape and luxury tax implications for teams like the Yankees, a multi-year deal with a deflated average annual value could present an attractive proposition.
Montgomery’s reported desire for long-term security, coupled with the Yankees’ desire to minimize luxury tax expenditures, could align the interests of both parties in a mutually beneficial agreement.
However, with the regular season fast approaching, questions linger about Montgomery’s readiness to join a club’s rotation immediately upon signing.
While the left-hander has reportedly progressed to throwing 75 pitches in preparation for the season, the disparity between simulated game conditions and Spring Training matchups may necessitate a period of adjustment before Montgomery is game-ready.
