Offseason Intrigue: Yankees’ Yamamoto bid hangs in the balance, Montgomery’s decision looms

Tuesday December 12, 2023

The New York Yankees are eagerly seeking to bolster their starting rotation with a splash of star power this offseason. While they are currently considered strong contenders to acquire Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Orix Buffaloes, the outcome remains uncertain due to the intense competition in the market for his services. Despite the Yankees’ financial capability to secure Yamamoto, the final result remains shrouded in ambiguity.

The uncertain path forward

In the event that the pursuit of Yamamoto falls through, attention turns to another formidable pitcher, Jordan Montgomery of the Texas Rangers. Although Montgomery has been repeatedly touted as a potential fit for the Yankees this offseason, a recent report from The Athletic’s Jim Bowden suggests that the likelihood of such a move may be dwindling.

Bowden expressed that Montgomery is an ideal candidate for teams like the Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals. However, Montgomery’s history with both teams, having previously pitched for them and been traded away, diminishes the likelihood of a return. Despite being considered a suitable match, Montgomery appears inclined to steer clear of a reunion. The left-handed pitcher seemed to find a comfortable home with the Texas Rangers, where he played under the management of Bruce Bochy, received guidance from pitching coach Mike Maddux, and had the privilege of learning from future Hall of Fame hurlers such as Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. This familiarity with the Rangers’ environment positions Texas as his preferred choice.

Jordan Montgomery‘s baseball journey began when the Yankees selected him in the fourth round of the 2014 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft. After making his debut with New York in 2017, he spent the initial five-plus seasons of his career with the team before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022. Now, at 30 years old, Montgomery is poised to secure a substantial contract in the ongoing offseason. However, recent indications suggest that a reunion with the Yankees, despite their need for pitching prowess, may not materialize.

The intricate dynamics of the baseball offseason, marked by high-stakes negotiations and player preferences, present a challenging landscape for teams in search of talent. While the Yankees aspire to inject star power into their starting rotation, the uncertainties surrounding both Yamamoto’s competitive market and Montgomery’s potential reluctance to return to New York add layers of complexity to their offseason aspirations. As the offseason drama unfolds, the fate of these star pitchers and their potential alignments with powerhouse teams like the Yankees remains uncertain.

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