Rangers make another pitching splash as the trade deadline heats up
Less than 24 hours after making a deal for pitcher Max Scherzer, the Texas Rangers upgraded their roster again by acquiring pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Chris Stratton from the St. Louis Cardinals.
6-9 on the season with a 3.42 ERA, Montgomery has been the best starter on the Cardinals since they traded for him at last year's trade deadline.
He is familiar with the American League after beginning his career with the New York Yankees from 2017-22 and gives the Rangers another left-handed starter to compliment struggling lefty Andrew Heaney.
Stratton is a serviceable arm in the bullpen, he has posted a 1-1 record with a 4.36 ERA over 53.2 innings pitched this season and is averaging a career-low 2.85 BB/9.
In return for Montgomery and Stratton, the Rangers shipped out their No. 11 and 14 ranked prospects in Double-A pitcher Tekoah Roby and infielder Thomas Saggese as well as relief pitcher John King.
With pitcher Jacob DeGrom lost for the season and Nate Eovaldi now on the injured list with a right forearm strain, the Rangers had to go outside the organization to make some upgrades even if it cost them premium prospects.
With one of the best offenses in all of baseball, the Rangers will need quality innings from their new acquisitions to help keep hold of their lead in the American League West.
Montgomery is due to be a free agent after this season, but there's always the chance they could work out a contract extension before he hits the open market.
More must-reads: