The Texas Rangers are reuniting with a familiar face, as left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery is set to return to the franchise on a one-year contract worth $1.25 million, according to a report from Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. The deal, which includes additional performance-based incentives, will require the Rangers to clear a spot on their 40-man roster once it becomes official.
Montgomery, 33, endured a completely lost season in 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery last March. The procedure typically demands 12-18 months of intensive rehabilitation, meaning Montgomery will begin the upcoming campaign on the 60-day injured list. However, the Rangers view this as a strategic long-term investment, with expectations that the veteran southpaw could contribute during the latter stages of the season. Grant indicates that a second-half return appears most probable, though an earlier comeback remains possible if Montgomery's rehabilitation progresses without setbacks.
The timing of Montgomery's potential return creates intriguing questions about his eventual role. Texas enters the season with a relatively established rotation, featuring Nathan Eovaldi, Jacob deGrom, MacKenzie Gore, and Jack Leiter as near-certain members. The fifth starter position appears to be a competition between Jacob Latz and Kumar Rocker, two younger arms looking to establish themselves at the major league level.
This apparent depth belies the inherent uncertainty that accompanies any major league pitching staff. Injuries have become increasingly prevalent across baseball, with pitchers spending more time on the injured list than ever before. Both Eovaldi and Gore missed substantial portions of the 2024 season due to various ailments, while deGrom's extensive injury history is well-documented. The notion that all five starters will remain healthy throughout the entire season represents an optimistic scenario rather than a realistic expectation.
This reality underscores the strategic value of Montgomery's signing. While he won't be available immediately, his potential return later in the season could provide crucial reinforcements precisely when the Rangers need them most. If the rotation remains healthy and productive, Montgomery could slot in as a sixth starter, giving the team additional flexibility for the stretch run. More likely, however, is that injuries or underperformance will create an opening that Montgomery can fill, making him a valuable insurance policy.
The signing represents something of a homecoming for Montgomery, who played a pivotal role in the Rangers' 2023 World Series championship run. His performance during that postseason cemented his status as a fan favorite and demonstrated his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. At that point in his career, Montgomery appeared poised for a lucrative long-term contract, with many analysts projecting him as a high-end number two starter capable of anchoring a contending team's rotation for years.
What followed, however, was one of the most notable free agency sagas in recent baseball memory. Montgomery became a member of the infamous "Boras Four," a group of high-profile clients represented by super-agent Scott Boras who remained unsigned deep into the 2023-24 offseason. Alongside Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, and Matt Chapman, Montgomery watched as the market failed to materialize as expected. All four players eventually signed short-term "pillow contracts" designed to help them rebuild value for future free agency periods.
While Snell, Bellinger, and Chapman all managed to parlay those opportunities into substantial long-term deals in subsequent years, Montgomery's path diverged dramatically. He signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks but struggled mightily during the 2024 campaign, posting a discouraging 6.23 ERA across 117 innings pitched. The left-hander's diminished velocity and command issues raised serious concerns about his long-term viability as a reliable rotation piece.
The relationship between Montgomery and Boras soured considerably during this period, becoming public and acrimonious. Montgomery ultimately changed representation, directly accusing his former agent of having "butchered" his free agency experience and cost him millions of dollars. The situation became even more uncomfortable when Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick expressed vocal frustration about the signing, calling it a "horrible decision" that had failed to produce the expected returns.
Now, Montgomery finds himself in a familiar environment, hoping to recapture the form that made him a postseason hero. The Rangers, meanwhile, are making a low-risk, potentially high-reward investment in a pitcher they know intimately from his previous tenure. The $1.25 million base salary represents a minimal financial commitment for a major league club with championship aspirations, while the performance bonuses provide Montgomery with additional earning potential if he can successfully return to form.
The structure of this deal reflects the reality of Montgomery's current professional situation. Coming off major surgery and a disastrous season, he lacks the leverage to command a significant guaranteed contract on the open market. Instead, he's betting on himself once again, using this opportunity with a familiar organization to rebuild his value and prove he still belongs in a major league rotation. For the Rangers, it's a chance to add potential rotation depth at a bargain price while giving a former fan favorite an opportunity to resurrect his career.
The rehabilitation process for Tommy John surgery has become increasingly refined and successful in recent years, with many pitchers returning to pre-injury form. However, success is never guaranteed, particularly for a pitcher in his early thirties. Montgomery will need to demonstrate not only physical recovery but also the ability to make mechanical adjustments that might be necessary after such a significant procedure.
When he does take the mound again, Montgomery will be looking to prove that his 2024 performance was an anomaly rather than the beginning of a terminal decline. The Rangers' coaching staff, familiar with his strengths and weaknesses from his previous time with the team, will be tasked with helping him make any necessary adjustments. Their familiarity with his personality and work ethic could prove beneficial during what will undoubtedly be a challenging comeback process.
From a roster construction perspective, Montgomery's presence provides valuable insurance against the inevitable attrition that affects all pitching staffs. Starting pitching depth is often the difference between contending for a championship and falling out of the race, particularly during the grueling summer months. The ability to call upon a veteran with postseason experience and a track record of success could prove invaluable if the Rangers find themselves in a tight division race.
The signing also speaks to the evolving nature of pitcher usage in modern baseball. Teams are increasingly creative with how they deploy their arms, and a pitcher like Montgomery could be utilized in various ways upon his return. Whether as a traditional starter, a bulk reliever, or in a piggyback role, his versatility adds another layer of strategic options for manager Bruce Bochy and his staff.
Ultimately, this deal represents a sensible calculated risk for both parties. Montgomery gets to rehab with an organization he trusts while maintaining a clear path back to the major leagues. The Rangers add potential rotation depth at a fraction of the cost it would take to acquire a comparable pitcher at the trade deadline. In an era where teams are increasingly risk-averse with pitching investments, this low-cost, high-upside move demonstrates creative roster management.
The true impact of this signing won't be known until Montgomery returns to the mound, which likely won't happen until the summer months at the earliest. Until then, he'll work through his rehabilitation program, building arm strength and refining his mechanics. The Rangers will monitor his progress closely, knowing that his successful return could provide a significant boost to their postseason aspirations without requiring them to part with prospects.
For now, the signing serves as a reminder of baseball's unpredictable nature. A pitcher who once commanded top-of-the-rotation money now finds himself on a prove-it deal with his former team. The journey from World Series hero to injured reclamation project has been swift, but Montgomery now has an opportunity to write a redemption story with the franchise where he once experienced his greatest success.