Jordan Montgomery Available for Red Sox: Final Opportunity to Sign Him
The Red Sox are gearing up for the start of the season next Thursday, with roster cuts, position battles, and bullpen shuffling in full swing. While Red Sox pitching has been solid this spring, there is still a feeling that they need more depth. One pitcher who has been on their radar for quite some time is Jordan Montgomery.
Montgomery’s availability has been a topic of discussion for weeks now. The Red Sox have been playing the waiting game, but with each passing day, it becomes more uncertain if they will make a move to sign him. The recent signing of Blake Snell by the San Francisco Giants has raised questions about why the Red Sox haven’t pursued Montgomery more aggressively.
Although Snell wasn’t an ideal fit for the Red Sox due to the qualifying offer attached to him, Montgomery presents a different opportunity. Both Snell and Montgomery are represented by Scott Boras, and with Snell off the market, Montgomery now stands as the lone big arm available. However, the Red Sox seemed uninterested in adding another pitcher, as evidenced by their lack of pursuit of right-hander Michael Lorenzen, who recently signed with the Texas Rangers.
It’s unclear why the Red Sox have been hesitant to make a move for Montgomery, especially considering their need for pitching depth. Other teams, such as the Yankees, Astros, and Blue Jays, are also in need of pitching due to injuries, making the competition for Montgomery tougher. However, it seems that other teams haven’t been aggressively pursuing him either.
Signing a pitcher at this late stage of spring training comes with its own set of challenges. Montgomery has been working out at Boras’ complex in Florida but hasn’t faced big-league competition. Spring training is crucial for pitchers to prepare for game speed and facing major league hitters. It raises concerns about how ready Montgomery will be when he does sign.
Additionally, there’s the question of potential injury setbacks. With pitcher injuries on the rise this spring, rushing Montgomery into action could be risky. On the other hand, the extra rest he has had since pitching deep into the postseason with the Rangers last season could benefit him. Nonetheless, adjusting to new catchers and a new pitching program will be a challenge for Montgomery, wherever he signs.
Despite these concerns, there is no doubt that signing Montgomery would give an immediate boost to any team’s rotation, especially a team like the Red Sox in need of pitching help. The question now is how much longer can Montgomery wait? With Opening Day just a week away, the answer may finally be drawing near.
The Red Sox have already named their Opening Day starter and second game pitcher, with Brayan Bello and Nick Pivetta taking the mound. The big question remains: will Montgomery be in the mix by then? After five months of waiting, time is running out for both Montgomery and the Red Sox to make a decision.
In conclusion, the Red Sox have a final opportunity to sign Jordan Montgomery before the start of the season. While they have been playing the waiting game, the competition for Montgomery remains relatively quiet. However, signing him at this stage comes with its own challenges, including his readiness and adjusting to a new team. Nonetheless, signing Montgomery would provide an immediate boost to the Red Sox rotation. With Opening Day just around the corner, time is running out for both parties to make a move.