Following the New York Yankees’ unsuccessful attempt to sign Blake Snell, it appears Jordan Montgomery is poised to become their fallback option. An MLB insider has shed light on the likely cost of acquiring Montgomery and emphasized the importance of retaining the veteran for the team.
The San Francisco Giants recently made a significant move in MLB free agency by signing Blake Snell, which is likely to be their final major signing before Opening Day. This acquisition represents a rare victory over the Yankees in the pursuit of a top free agent, highlighting the impact addition the Giants have achieved, something they had struggled to accomplish in recent years.
Jordan Montgomery’s 2023 stats include a 10-11 record, a 3.20 ERA, a 1.193 WHIP, 166 strikeouts, and 48 walks
In a recent article, New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman discussed the New York Yankees’ final attempts to sign the 2023 NL Cy Young winner and why they should shift their focus to Jordan Montgomery, a pitcher who spent his first five seasons with the Yankees. Heyman believes that Montgomery, despite being 31 years old, could be a better fit for the team than Snell for six specific reasons:
1. **Durability:** Montgomery is perceived as more durable than Snell, suggesting he may be able to provide more innings and start more games.
2. **Age:** Montgomery is younger than Snell, implying he may have more long-term potential and could be a better investment for the future.
3. **Playoff Performance:** Montgomery has been more successful in the playoffs than Snell, which could be crucial for a team like the Yankees with postseason aspirations.
4. **Cost:** Montgomery is expected to come at a cheaper rate than Snell, making him a more cost-effective option for the team.
5. **Draft Compensation:** There is no draft compensation attached to signing Montgomery, unlike Snell, which could make the process smoother for the Yankees.
6. **Success in NYC:** Montgomery has previously experienced success in the demanding New York City market, suggesting he may be better equipped to handle the pressure and expectations associated with playing for the Yankees.
Overall, Heyman believes that Montgomery’s combination of durability, age, playoff performance, cost-effectiveness, lack of draft compensation, and past success in New York makes him a more attractive option for the Yankees than Snell.
The New York Yankees were unable to sign Blake Snell mainly due to concerns about exceeding the next salary cap threshold with his contract. While Jordan Montgomery won’t be a cheap acquisition, Jon Heyman revealed that the pitcher’s representatives are seeking a lower asking price, which is comparable to the seven-year, $172 million deal that Aaron Nola received from the Phillies a few months ago.
According to Heyman, the projected contract for Jordan Montgomery is around 7 years and $165 million.
