Did the Mariners trades open a door for the Texas Rangers to sign Jordan Montgomery?

Do these moves impact Texas' pursuit of Jordan Montgomery?

I actually think these Seattle moves could negatively impact Texas. The New York Yankees are desperate to add starting pitching. If Seattle does follow through and sign Snell that would increase the Yankees' desperation to add a starter. They would then focus all of their attention on Jordan Montgomery. I think New York would then offer Montgomery more money than Texas would be able to or feel comfortable with.

A report came out yesterday that Montgomery is seeking to surpass what Aaron Nola signed for earlier this offseason at six years and $172 million. He is likely looking for a contract for at least six years and then around $180 million or higher. That would take Montgomery from a $27-29 million per season to over $30 million per season. Is Texas willing to go that high? I am not so sure, but I do think if the Yankees are desperate enough they will be willing to go that high.

New York thought they were going to get Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They reportedly offered him 10 years and $300 million. Instead, Yamamoto signed with the Dodgers for 12 years and $325 million. He signed for more years and less money per season. New York has now turned their attention to Snell, Montgomery, or potentially trading for a starting pitcher like Dylan Cease.

Texas is still waiting out the Bally Sports deal and seeing if that will become official at a court hearing on January 10th. If it does and they receive a reported $90 million as Jon Heyman reported Texas could then engage with Montgomery and/or Josh Hader. They have reportedly been interested in both pitchers.

It is setting up to be a dynamic end to the offseason for the Texas Rangers. This feels like it will all be resolved by the end of the month and we will know who Texas will be bringing to Surprise, Arizona come Valentine's Day. Who knows maybe Seattle has a few more tricks up their sleeve this month to surprise the baseball world. Jerry Dipoto is like the snake in the grass that is always ready to pounce on a trade or a signing that comes his way.

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