An insider familiar with Major League Baseball suggests that the Texas Rangers are gearing up to bolster their lineup as they aim to defend their maiden World Series championship. Jon Heyman of The New York Post anticipates that left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery and designated hitter J.D. Martinez, two coveted free agents, will soon join the Rangers. With Opening Day looming less than a month away, both players, represented by Scott Boras, are seeking new teams.
Although Rangers GM Chris Young has hinted that the team has completed its player acquisitions, Heyman believes Texas might still be open to signing Montgomery to a contract resembling those recently secured by Cody Bellinger with the Chicago Cubs and Matt Chapman with the San Francisco Giants. These deals, inked by fellow Boras clients, span three years with opt-out clauses following the 2024 and 2025 seasons after the players failed to secure the anticipated nine-figure contracts.
Martinez, aged 36, is likely to settle for a one-year contract.
Potential Reunion for Jordan Montgomery
Montgomery made significant contributions to the Rangers’ championship run last season after being acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade. His regular-season performance included a 4-2 record with a 2.79 ERA over 11 starts, followed by a strong postseason showing with a 3-1 record and a 2.90 ERA across five starts and one relief appearance.
With several key rotation members expected to start the season on the injured list due to surgeries, the Rangers are in need of additional starting pitching depth. Max Scherzer, recovering from a back injury, is unlikely to return until June, while Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle, both undergoing elbow operations, are expected to be sidelined until after the All-Star break.
The starting rotation for the beginning of the season is anticipated to be led by Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray, complemented by left-handers Andrew Heaney and Cody Bradford, along with Dane Dunning. Notably, Eovaldi was the only one among these four to start a postseason game last year, with the others primarily contributing in relief roles.
According to Heyman, several other teams including the Giants, Red Sox, Cubs, Mets, and Yankees are potential suitors for Montgomery’s services.
J.D. Martinez Would Bolster Strong Lineup
The Rangers boasted an impressive offensive performance last season, ranking third in the major leagues in both runs per game (5.33) and home runs (233). Adding Martinez to their lineup would undoubtedly bolster an already formidable offensive unit.
Martinez, who earned his sixth All-Star Game selection last year during his single season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, showcased his offensive prowess by batting .271/.321/.572 in 113 games, tallying 33 home runs and 103 RBIs.
While rookie Wyatt Langford is currently slated as the Rangers’ primary designated hitter, having been the fourth overall pick in the amateur draft from the University of Florida less than a year ago, his limited experience with just 44 professional games might prompt the Rangers to consider further development for him at Triple-A Round Rock.
To accommodate Martinez in the lineup, the Rangers could potentially utilize Langford in left field, shift rookie Evan Carter from left field to center, and transition Leodys Taveras into a reserve role.
Heyman also identifies the Los Angeles Angels, Mets, and Giants as potential landing spots for Martinez.
