Cardinals Insider Floats Idea Of Reuniting With Star In Possible Surprise Move

St. Louis could have one more surprising move up their sleeve

Could the St. Louis Cardinals make one more surprise move this offseason?

St. Louis has hinted that it is done adding to the starting rotation, but there still is one very intriguing option out there. Jordan Montgomery still is a free agent and a reunion could go a long way for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals finished in last place in the National League Central last season, but things could completely turn around in 2024. The division is vulnerable. The Milwaukee Brewers finished atop the division but just traded away star pitcher Corbin Burnes. 

If the Cardinals play their cards right, they could easily be back atop the division next season. St. Louis has improved the club and is in a better spot but another move could make sense and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Ben Frederickson floated the idea of a reunion with Montgomery. 

"There have been assumptions Montgomery could have to settle for less than expected because of his ongoing wait," Frederickson said. "Not buying that. Super agent Scott Boras represents both Montgomery and fellow free agent Blake Snell. Boras is known for waiting, waiting, waiting, and then landing his clients big deals. And? The Cardinals can afford big deals for the right guys. They did for Sonny Gray. They could for Montgomery. The Cardinals can afford whatever they decide their self-imposed payroll can embrace...

"There have been assumptions Montgomery wouldn’t entertain a return to St. Louis. I’m not necessarily buying that one, either. Wanting to explore your trade-deadline shot with a contender instead of sticking with a seller on the eve of your free agency isn’t the same thing as shutting down the idea of a return. You know what helps convince a guy sometimes? An agent. And money. And a feeling a big season could be there for the taking by a team. Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak and Boras have talked this offseason."

Signing Montgomery would be expensive, but the Cardinals immediately would be considered the top club in the division. If Montgomery wants to be back, why not make a big swing?

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