Jordan Montgomery, Texas Rangers Reunion Coming Before Spring Training?
While there has been public movement between the Texas Rangers and Jordan Montgomery, much could happen this week.
That’s the prediction, at least.
The reigning World Series champions and one of the most-prized free agents still on the market could come to terms on a new contract on the eve of spring training. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to the Rangers’ complex in Surprise, Ariz., by Thursday.
That appears to be a soft deadline for Montgomery, who came up big for Texas after the trade deadline last season and on the way to the franchise’s first championship.
MLB.com insiders Mark Feinsand and Jon Paul Morosi tacked the issue of when the four remaining big free agents – Montgomery, Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman and Blake Snell – will sign. All four all Scott Boras clients, which helps explain why they haven’t signed.
Both expect Montgomery to sign with the Rangers this week. Feinsand wrote that Montgomery “seems destined for a reunion with the Rangers if the two sides can agree on a number.”
Morosi agreed, but sounded more of an alarm:
I believe Montgomery will sign by Thursday. There is greater incentive for pitchers to sign than position players, because they generally need more time in camp to prepare for the regular season. The Rangers are the favorites to sign him, but I wonder if the Red Sox could make a late push by clearing salary with a Kenley Jansen trade.
Neither insider believes Montgomery will remain a free agent by Opening Day. They both did name the Philadelphia Phillies a possible club to swoop in and sign Montgomery if the Rangers can’t get a deal done.
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