Rangers Resurgence: Jordan Montgomery’s Potential Return and Uncertainties Surrounding Payroll

Amid a relatively subdued offseason for the Texas Rangers, the possibility of bringing back starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery has emerged as a captivating storyline. According to Jon Heyman’s recent column, the Rangers have reentered the race for Montgomery’s services, signaling a potential shift in their offseason plans.

Heyman suggests that progress has been made in resolving the ongoing Bally Sports dispute, which could result in a $90 million payment to the Rangers. While this falls short of the initial $110 million they were owed, it still represents a significant financial boost.

The Rangers’ payroll situation remains enigmatic, as it is unclear whether their conservative approach is primarily driven by the Bally bankruptcy and the uncertainty surrounding local TV revenue for 2024, or if it is also motivated by a desire to remain below the luxury tax threshold. Current projections indicate that the team is only $6.6 million under the luxury tax line. If staying under the tax becomes a top priority, the chances of re-signing Montgomery may diminish.

In addition to Montgomery, Heyman suggests that the Rangers could be a good fit for reliever Josh Hader. However, the team has not historically been known for lavish spending on bullpen arms. Furthermore, the absence of second- and third-round draft picks in the past two years may make the Rangers hesitant to part ways with another second-rounder in order to secure a premium-priced reliever.

As the offseason progresses, the Rangers find themselves at a crossroads, balancing financial uncertainties with the desire to assemble a competitive roster. The potential return of Montgomery and the pursuit of Hader present intriguing possibilities for a team seeking to make a splash. Only time will tell how the Rangers navigate these complexities and shape their roster for the upcoming season.