Ex-Cardinals Star Reportedly Not Interested In Reunion Despite Seeking New Deal

St. Louis is unlikely to reunite with one of the top free agents available

The St. Louis Cardinals' pitching staff underwent some major alterations this winter and will be looking to reverse the trajectory of last year's poor performance in 2024.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak successfully retooled the rotation by landing three veteran hurlers this offseason but left the door open to pursuing other rotation-bolstering opportunities.

Many St. Louis fans have been hoping for the return of a former star pitcher this offseason but it appears that a reunion is unlikely.

"Also, it doesn’t sound like (Jordan) Montgomery is interested in a return to St. Louis," The Athletic's Jim Bowden reported Tuesday.

The Cardinals have made efforts to bring back the dominant left-hander this offseason but with Opening Day a month away, those chances continue to decrease.

Montgomery posted a 10-11 record with a 3.20 ERA, 166-to-48 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .247 batting average against and 1.19 WHIP in 188 2/3 innings pitched between the Cardinals and Texas Rangers last season.

The 31-year-old's price tag skyrocketed after recording a 3-1 record with a 2.90 ERA and 17 strikeouts in six postseason appearances to help the Rangers win their first World Series. 

Montgomery's agent, Scott Boras -- who is notorious for holding out to land expensive contracts -- has been testing the market all winter to find a team that will pay top dollar for his client.

The possibility of reuniting with Montgomery if his price drops seems doubtful if he genuinely isn't interested in suiting up at Busch Stadium this upcoming season.

It'll be disappointing to see Montgomery sign elsewhere but hopefully, the latest additions to the rotation of Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson will prove to be enough for the Cardinals' 2024 campaign.

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