Jordan Montgomery, the veteran left-handed pitcher, is back with the Texas Rangers on a one-year contract, according to a source close to ESPN. This marks a significant return for Montgomery, who was a key player in the team's only World Series victory three seasons ago. But here's the twist: Montgomery's journey to this reunion has been a rollercoaster, filled with injuries, trades, and public scrutiny.
The 33-year-old Montgomery, who has been in the big leagues for eight seasons, is coming off a challenging 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He struggled with a knee injury, missing nearly a month of action, and ended up with a 6.23 ERA in 117 innings, despite amassing 83 strikeouts. The Diamondbacks traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers last July, and he became a free agent once again after the season.
Montgomery's career has been marked by both success and setbacks. He had his first Tommy John surgery in 2018, and then another elbow reconstruction surgery, which has kept him on the sidelines for extended periods. Despite these challenges, he has maintained a strong record, with a 46-41 record and a 4.03 ERA in 166 games (161 starts) across four teams: the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, and Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Rangers' decision to re-sign Montgomery is an interesting one, considering his recent performance and the public criticism he faced during his time with the Diamondbacks. Montgomery's contract with Arizona was worth $25 million, and team owner Ken Kendrick publicly criticized the deal. However, Montgomery's resilience and experience could be valuable assets for the Rangers as they aim to rebuild and compete in the highly competitive American League.
As Montgomery continues his rehabilitation from the second elbow surgery, the question remains: Can he regain his former glory and help the Rangers make a run at the World Series again? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Montgomery's story is far from over, and it's a journey that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
