Even though the Texas Rangers have made it clear that left-hander Jordan Montgomery isn't on their radar, things could dramatically change in an instant.
But as Texas perhaps changes its mind, so does the World Series hero's asking price, especially as the last domino left on the market enters the final stages of spring training.
According to reports, reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell has agreed on a two-year, $62 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. Snell remains in the NL West and could become a villain to his former Padres team. The left-hander's deal includes an opt-out option after this season.
Opt-outs have become common for clients under agent Scott Boras. Outfielder Cody Bellinger (Cubs), third baseman Matt Chapman (Giants), and now Snell all have opt-outs after 2024 despite inking multi-year contracts.
Montgomery, another Boras client who remains on the market, could be looking for a similar deal to earn as much compensation as possible.
Snell, 31, is coming off a resurgent season in which he posted an NL-best 2.25 ERA with a 1.189 WHIP and 234 strikeouts in 180 innings. His 5.9 hits allowed per nine innings was the best in the NL.
Montgomery, 31, would be a sturdy No. 2 option for any rotation. Between St. Louis and Texas in 2023, Montgomery had a 3.20 ERA with a 166-48 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a 1.19 WHIP in 188.2 innings.
Montgomery was superb in the postseason, going 4-2 with a 2.90 ERA in 31 innings while helping the Rangers capture their first World Series championship.
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