World Series Winning Pitcher Linked to Dodgers as Potential Free Agent Signing
With the offseason starting, the Dodgers have a clear need: Upgrade their starting rotation after a season that saw them hold their rotation together by a string. It’s the biggest need for this club this winter, and they are expected to be aggressive in adding to the team.
MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic has linked the Dodgers to one of the better pitchers from this year’s postseason. Left-hander Jordan Montgomery could be a very intriguing option for LA, especially after his performance in helping lead the Texas Rangers to a World Series win.
“Jordan Montgomery has posted an ERA under 4.00 in each of the past three seasons and over his career is 38-34 with a respectable 3.68 ERA. He made 32 starts this year and posted a 3.20 ERA. The Rangers acquired him at the trade deadline from the Cardinals and he delivered for Texas, going 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts. For the season, opposing batters hit .239 against his changeup and .191 against his curveball.”
Per Jim Bowden of The Athletic
The biggest issue with Montgomery is what the price will be to land him. He increased his value heavily with his postseason performance, so it could end up bringing him out of the Dodgers price range for his services.
Additionally, many teams may be cautious about signing him as they may worry that his performance in the playoffs was just a hot streak. He was good in the regular season but wasn’t nearly as dominant as he was when the lights were brightest.
“He significantly increased his free-agent value by dominating in the American League Championship Series, going 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA over two starts and one relief appearance. Most teams I’ve talked with rank Montgomery above Blake Snell even though the Padres lefty is expected to win the National League Cy Young Award this year; that tells you how much Montgomery’s value has risen.”
Per Jim Bowden of The Athletic
If the Dodgers were to sign Montgomery, it would help the rotation out exponentially. He is a reliable pitcher and has been for years now. But the Dodgers would also need to bring someone else in to make this worth it.
Montgomery is very good, but is he a front-line starter? That remains to be seen, so LA may end up passing on him for a more established guy in a similar price range.
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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