At the beginning of the offseason, it was surprising to think that Jordan Montgomery, one of the most sought-after pitchers in Major League Baseball, would still be without a contract as spring training approached
. The 31-year-old left-hander has been a prominent free agent target for months, with his impressive performance making him a top contender for a significant deal. However, as the start of the season nears, the reality of his situation is that he may need to reconsider his expectations if he wants to secure a team by Opening Day on March 28.
As reported by MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki on February 14, the Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest in Montgomery. However, they are only considering a short-term contract, which contrasts sharply with Montgomery’s hopes for a more lucrative, long-term agreement.
Zolecki noted that the Phillies are open to a one- to two-year deal, but Montgomery is not inclined to accept such terms at this stage.
This is a significant departure from earlier projections. Back on November 6, 2023, MLB Trade Rumors analysts Tim Dierkes, Anthony Franco, and Steve Adams had forecasted that Montgomery would secure a six-year, $150 million deal. Following this, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel anticipated a five-year, $106 million contract for the pitcher.
Despite these optimistic forecasts, the reality is that Montgomery may need to settle for less if he hopes to sign with a team before the season commences.
Montgomery’s recent performance should have bolstered his market value. Last season, he made 32 starts for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers, recording a solid 3.20 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts. His postseason contributions were also notable; he made six appearances for the Rangers, including five starts, and posted a 2.90 ERA with 17 strikeouts. His efforts played a crucial role in helping the Rangers win their first World Series title, which further highlighted his value as a top-tier pitcher.
As the opening game approaches, Montgomery finds himself in a challenging position. The interest from teams like the Phillies shows that his skills are still in demand, but the terms being offered are not what he initially sought. If he does not adjust his expectations, he risks entering the season without a team.
This situation underscores the unpredictability of the free agency market and the need for players to sometimes adapt their demands to the evolving landscape of team needs and financial constraints.
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