The Boston Red Sox have drawn criticism for their lack of pre-Opening Day roster improvements from supporters, a prominent player, and even the team itself.
However, the team is now the favorite to sign coveted free agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery, according to oddsmakers.
Based on their odds—which are listed as even money—the Boston Red Sox are thought to be Montgomery’s most likely destination, according to Lior Lampert’s FanSided report, which used numbers from Larry Brown Sports. “The Red Sox may be looking to bolster their roster in an attempt to regain relevance this upcoming season, with their sights set on Montgomery, after finishing last in the 2023 AL East standings.”
Over 140 starts in seven big-league seasons, the southpaw, who won a World Series with the Texas Rangers last year, has a lifetime 3.68 ERA and 705 strikeouts. According to Sportrac, he is expected to sign a six-year, $110 million contract this offseason.
Larry Brown Sports noted that the Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees and New York Mets are potential candidates to sign Montgomery as well.
Jordan Montgomery Would Immediately Lead the Boston Red Sox Starting Rotation
On paper, Montgomery joining the Red Sox makes sense, providing the team is willing to part with a sizable chunk of money to solve the greatest hole on their roster.
The team saw seven different players start at least 10 games in 2023, and has moved on from two of those pitchers in Chris Sale (4.30 ERA in 2023) and James Paxton (4.50 ERA in 2023). As of now, its starting rotation looks to consist of Brayan Bello (4.24 ERA in 2023), Kutter Crawford (4.04 ERA in 2023), Tanner Houck (5.01 ERA in 2023), Nick Pivetta (4.04 ERA in 2023) and new addition Lucas Giolito (4.88 ERA in 2023 pitching for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Guardians).
According to Lampert, Montgomery went 10-11 with a 3.20 ERA and 166 strikeouts in 32 starts in 2023. However, he improved after being dealt to the Rangers, where he was instrumental in the team’s run to the World Series. “Montgomery would be a significant addition to the Red Sox’s pitching staff, which currently ranks 21st in the MLB in terms of team ERA (4.52).”
Reporters have also noted that Montgomery recently moved to Boston, perhaps driving up the probability of a fit with the Red Sox.