Breaking: Yankees Agree Deal To Sign $110 Million Hurler In Proposed Contract
The 2023 New York Yankees had a dismal 82-80 record; hence, they made major squad additions.Ahead of 2024’s Opening Day, anticipation is strong. Could a reunion with southpaw Jordan Montgomery result in another addition to the rotation?
Regarding the Yankees potentially acquiring a free agent, the majority of the reports have focused on two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell. However, an agreement with the Bombers seems doubtful given his willingness to sign a short-term contract with opt-outs. However, Montgomery isn’t yet prepared for that kind of contract.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman said on March 7 that the 2023 World Series champion is still looking for a long-term deal.Josh Wilson of FanSided observes that Monty’s preferred contract “might work out nicely for New York.” Brian Cashman, general manager of the Bronx, would be able to reduce the possible impact of the luxury tax if the southpaw signs a longer-term contract there.
For Montgomery, Spotrac anticipates a six-year, $110 million agreement.That would be a more manageable annual cost, even if a deal came closer to Aaron Nola’s seven-year, $172 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Additionally, because Montgomery did not get a qualifying offer, New York would not forfeit any picks in the 2024 MLB Draft or money from the international bonus pool.
Montgomery Would Help the Yankees’ Rotation Depth
According to FanGraphs’ Roster Resource, the Yankees’ probable Opening Day lineup consists of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes, and Clarke Schmidt. If everything works out, this unit might be useful. Cashman is aware that relying solely on the best-case scenario could be a mistake, though.
On February 5, SNY’s Andy Martino said that New York wasn’t quite happy with its improvements to pitching. Additionally, he conjectured that making another trade before to Opening Day is not impossible. The club may be forced to act due to Rodón’s erratic spring as he attempts to recover from a terrible 2023. He has given up three home runs on six hits, three walks, and six strikeouts in 5.2 innings pitched.
Montgomery would give the Yankees’ rotation an air of certainty. Since 2021, he has started more than thirty games in a season. In his most recent 524.1 innings pitched, the southpaw Monty has thrown 486 strikeouts while spinning a 3.48 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Additionally, the lefty has pitching experience in New York.
Red Sox Might Opt for Other Rotation Options
Although it looked for a time like Montgomery would end up with the Boston Red Sox, Lucas Giolito might miss the entirety of 2024 due to injury. The team may be searching elsewhere for rotation improvements at this point.Heyman’s other source indicates that Boston would be more interested in a “solid innings eater” such as Mike Clevinger or Michael Lorenzen.
Whether Montgomery would even give the Red Sox a serious consideration to sign him was already up for debate. Since 2020, they have placed last three times, the last two seasons included.
According to insiders, the Red Sox have been monitoring Montgomery’s market, as reported by Alex Speier of the Boston Globe on February 13. However, there is a perception in the industry that he would prefer to sign with a club that has a stronger chance of winning in 2024 than the Red Sox, should things fall apart in a fashion that makes him available on a shorter-term contract. Hence, while not impossible, it is quite unlikely.
Is there a chance the Yankees may intervene and get their former homegrown pitcher back? If they do, it would hurt the Red Sox and strengthen New York’s rotation.
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