There's a simple reason why free-agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery is frequently mentioned in connection with the Cubs. It's because signing him would make a lot of baseball sense. The Cubs have an opportunity to win the N.L. Central this season, especially as another top team in the division, the Cubs , is dealing with a series of injuries. The Central title and a spot in the playoffs are within reach. RedsHowever, pitching depth is a concern for the Cubs this year, and Montgomery could address that concern effectively. For the Cubs to be successful in 2024,
Justin Steele will need to replicate his breakout 2023 season. Additionally, the quick recovery of injured No. 2 pitcher Jameson Taillon and the consistent performance of Shota Imanaga throughout the season are essential. Moreover, the Cubs need to establish a reliable back end of the rotation with Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad taking on the 4th and 5th spots.
Essentially, Montgomery serves as insurance in case the Cubs fall short in any of these areas. This is why, as
The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney wrote this week, Montgomery “still makes sense” for the Cubs. Cubs ‘Still Make Sense’ for Major Signing
Mooney also cited team president Jed Hoyer indicating that they are still in discussions as the team leaves Arizona. However, Hoyer also mentioned that the roster is unlikely to change.
According to MLB.com, Hoyer also expressed reluctance towards signing older pitchers like
Montgomery, who is 31 years oldand could command asix-year, $110 million contract, according to Spotrac .Hoyer conveyed that relying too much on the free-agent market for pitching is problematic due to the high cost and older age of the players. He emphasized the importance of the team's young pitchers stepping up.
Nevertheless, Mooney's point remains valid: “An entire offseason and almost all of spring training flew by and Jordan Montgomery still makes sense for the Hoyer said.
Chicago Cubs “This waiting game couldn’t have been what Montgomery envisioned after he helped the in theory.
Texas Rangers win last year’s World Series. Free agency hasn’t gone as planned for Montgomery, a Scott Boras client who remains unsigned into March Madness.” Jordan Montgomery Deal Would Be a Taxing Issue
The issue lies on both sides. Montgomery is demanding too much money, making it challenging for the Cubs or any other team to sign him. Other teams, including the
, have also been associated with Montgomery, as well as his former team, the Rangers, who chose to sign another late free-agent pitcher, former Red Sox, Yankees and Astrospitcher Michael Lorenzen, instead. Phillies If Hoyer decides to bring Montgomery on board, they would face a significant hurdle—the luxury tax. Owner Tom Ricketts has shown no inclination to exceed the $237 million tax threshold.
According to Spotrac , the Cubs' projected payroll is currently at $230 million, just below the tax limit.Even if Montgomery agrees to a substantial discount, it would likely push the Cubs over the tax threshold. Ultimately, this is a concern for Ricketts, not the team or its fans. However, Ricketts is responsible for the finances and has expressed comfort with operating around the tax threshold.
Adding Montgomery to the team would make a big difference fast. It's a logical move, but it's still very unlikely.
Cubs GM Jed Hoyer claims the roster is finalized as camp ends, but a lot of people think it would be a good idea to sign free agent Jordan Montgomery.
