The New York Yankees may already have a surplus of starting pitchers, but MLB analyst Jeremy Nielsen from PinstripeAlley suggests they should consider re-acquiring left-hander Jordan Montgomery from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Nielsen argues that Montgomery, who has struggled in Arizona, could be a valuable buy-low candidate to provide depth for the Yankees’ rotation.
“If the Yankees traded for Montgomery, he’d escape a toxic situation in Arizona and return to the organization that drafted and developed him,” Nielsen wrote. He added that Montgomery would benefit from a full spring training, unlike his last-minute signing with the Diamondbacks, which hindered his preparation.
Despite this, Nielsen acknowledges the Yankees’ rotation for 2025 is already solidified, featuring Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, and newly signed Max Fried. Montgomery’s best chance to join the rotation might arise only if injuries sideline one of the starters.
Montgomery signed a two-year, $47.5 million deal with the Diamondbacks last offseason but struggled in 2024, posting an 8-7 record with a 6.23 ERA over 21 starts. Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick has openly expressed regret over the signing, calling it “a horrible decision.”
The Yankees’ current depth makes a reunion with Montgomery uncertain, especially after adding Fried and trading Nestor Cortes during the offseason. They still have Marcus Stroman in their pitching arsenal, but MLB insider Robert Murray reports that the Yankees are actively exploring a trade for Stroman.
Stroman, who signed a two-year, $37 million contract with New York before the 2024 season, finished with a 10-9 record and a 4.31 ERA in 30 games but was left off the playoff roster. His potential departure could open the door for further roster adjustments, including a possible move for Montgomery, though the Yankees’ current rotation suggests such a deal would likely hinge on unforeseen circumstances.
