While the Houston Astros have been discussed a lot for having a quiet offseason, their division rivals also haven’t done many moves this winter after spending major money in free agency the past few years.
There’s still time for the Astros and Texas Rangers to make their requisite additions, but if anyone is going to make one of note, it will likely be the Rangers because they haven’t put a limit on their financial spending.
Houston will add a bullpen piece, if anything, this offseason.
Texas is still in the running to get Jordan Montgomery back on a long-term contract after acquiring the star left-hander at the trade deadline from the St. Lous Cardinals.
R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports is predicting just that, writing, “If the latest reports are any indication, Montgomery wants to return to the Rangers. Who are we to stand in the way of that?”
While that’s not necessarily a bold proclamation full of information, the fact is there has been tons of hints from insiders everywhere that the 31-year-old would like to continue his career with the Rangers.
In addition to being a major piece of their playoff run that culminated in a World Series championship, Montgomery also was sensational in 11 regular season starts, posting an ERA of 2.79 over 67 2/3 innings pitched.
If Texas is able to re-sign the lefty, that makes things more difficult for the Astros to win their fourth division title in a row.
It seemed like the Rangers were going to be in trouble to begin the year with Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer likely not available to start the season. Their rotation after Nathan Eovaldi is much to be desired and their bullpen unit still looks thin on paper.
However, with Montgomery back, that adds another top arm to their rotation and should help out the entire pitching staff.