Report: AL contender emerging as favorite for top free-agent pitcher

Jordan Montgomery is one of the top remaining free-agent pitchers on the market and his preferred landing spot has been revealed.

NJ.com’s Randy Miller reported in a lengthy column published on Thursday that Montgomery prefers to return to the Texas Rangers. The New York Yankees – also in play for the southpaw – appear to have a growing belief that Montgomery will end up back in Texas.

Montgomery was acquired by the Rangers from the St. Lou9is Cardinals at the trade deadline. He went 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA over 11 starts with Texas last season. He was also strong in the postseason,  where he posted a 3-1 record for the World Series champs. Over his postseason career, Montgomery has gone 3-1 with a 2.63 ERA.

Montgomery is said to be the Yankees’ top choice in free agency. The team could have interest in Blake Snell but is waiting on the reigning NL Cy Young winner to lower his asking price. The Yankees also reportedly do not have interest in free-agent pitcher Shota Imanaga.

Montgomery was drafted by the Yankees in the fourth round of the MLB Draft in 2014. He was with the team from 2017-22 before they traded him to the Cardinals for Harrison Bader. The 31-year-old Montgomery underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018. He has gone 38-34 with a 3.68 ERA over the course of his MLB career.