MLB Props to Bet Today: Jordan Montgomery's Next Team
Old habits die hard, and the Texas Rangers may let some bad ones pop back up this offseason. The Rangers are notorious for struggling to sign or develop starting pitchers.
Maybe the team is just distracted in the wake of a World Series victory, but pitchers and catchers are reporting soon, and it’s time you handle your business.
The business I’m referring to is Jordan Montgomery. The Rangers just signed David Robertons to boost the bullpen and announced the return of several other MLB betting favorites, including Travis Jankowski.
So, when will the team announce that Montgomery, acquired from the Cardinals mid-season, will return to Texas? He was a stud during the Postseason, going 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 31 innings. He beat the Rays once and the Astros twice during that run, which was a big reason why the Rangers made the World Series. Mongomery did get blown up by the Diamondbacks at the start of his lone World Series, but that shouldn’t negate all the good work he did prior. He was also a major reason the Rangers were among the best ATS teams in the MLB at 100-79 ATS (including the postseason).
With Montgomery’s status still up in the air, I noticed that BetUS Sportsbook had odds listed for his next team. Naturally, I wanted to explore that idea and find the best betting value on the board.
- Boston Red Sox +225
- Minnesota Twins +500
- St. Louis Cardinals +600
- San Francisco Giants +800
- New York Yankees +1000
- New York Mets +1200
- Chicago Cubs +1800
- Baltimore Orioles +2000
Texas Rangers +200
The Rangers are the front-runners to re-sign him, and for good reason. He’s already on the team and has a locker, uniform, and presumably a home in Texas. He also just helped the team win a World Series. Both sides should want a reunion, but I don’t trust the MLB lines.
The moves, deals, and signings that the Rangers have made over the past couple of weeks cast doubt on their desire to bring back Montgomery. The signing of Robertson and Jankowski pushed the Rangers’ payroll to more than $240 million, which is important for the competitive balance tax (CBT). If you want to learn more about the tax, go ahead and google it. Just be sure to use the full name and do not google the shortened “CBT.” Don’t ask why; just thank me for this advice.
The point is the Rangers are making many moves outside of Robertson that suggest he might be too expensive for their 2024 roster.
St. Louis Cardinals +600
The Cardinals are an intriguing option and would make for a feel-good story to see the pitcher and his former team reunite. Everyone’s favorite agent, Scott Boras, has already stated that his client would be open to a reunion, and it makes sense in many ways.
Assuming the Cardinals won’t totally fail despite having a strong roster like they did last season, Montgomery could be the piece that puts this rotation into the top tier. It could go either way with Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, Kyle Gibson, and Lance Lynn on the roster. But I’m an optimist and can see Montgomery joining this crew and leading them back to the playoffs.
If they sign Montgomery, STL can move Steven Matz to the bullpen. He is skilled but has many injury issues and is wildly inconsistent- sounds perfect for bullpen work. He’s also owed more than $25 million, and the Cardinals would like to get at least something in return for that investment.
Consider this a worthwhile bet online at +600. I prefer it to betting on his return to the Rangers, which feels like a move stuck in the mud.
Questions Of The Day
Are there any dark horse teams to consider regarding the signing of Jordan Montgomery?
The Phillies have been getting much attention recently as a longshot to sign Montgomery. But, with Vegas betting odds at +500, the time to get top value on this pack may have come and gone.
Who is favored to win the World Series?
After spending the GDP of some small countries during the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers are favored
