Possible Rangers trade deadline additions that could fill Jordan Montgomery's role

The Jordan Montgomery saga is finally over. The left-hander opted to sign a one-year deal with the defending National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night, effectively ending the Texas Rangers attempt to bring Montgomery back to Arlington.

It seemed less and less likely over the past month that a reunion between the Rangers and Monty was even possible. The sides were far apart in negotiations throughout the offseason, and Texas obviously shifted away from Montgomery after signing Michael Lorenzen last week.

But that doesn't mean the Rangers have solved their starting pitching woes. Texas' starting rotation is middle-of-the-road at best, and their dependance upon the successful returns of Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Tyler Mahle could be misplaced if any of those pitchers suffer a setback in the coming months.

Possible Rangers deadline additions who could fill Jordan Montgomery's role

While the Rangers and their fanbase expect to see a rotation of deGrom, Scherzer, Mahle, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jon Gray by August, that could be wishful thinking. Texas may need to look outside the organization in order to bolster the rotation if the Rangers are hopeful to repeat as World Series champs in 2024. Are there any trade targets the Rangers should keep an eye heading into the season?

The Rangers would likely be looking to refrain from taking on any long-term contracts and find a rental in order to offset the loss of Montgomery. That said, with Scherzer, Eovaldi (vesting option), Lorenzen, and Andrew Heaney all capable of entering free agency next season, maybe the Rangers front office should be thinking beyond the just 2024 season.

In terms of starters who could be a two-month rental near the trade deadline, the Rangers could keep a close eye on the likes of Shane Bieber (Cleveland Guardians), Kyle Hendricks (Chicago Cubs), and Jack Flaherty (Detroit Tigers). Those three pitchers will all be free agents after the 2024 season, and their respective teams may be out of playoff contention by the deadline. If they wanted to be a bit bolder, calling the SF Giants about Blake Snell (depending on their performance) could be an option. Other lesser options include Nick Pivetta of the Boston Red Sox and Luis Severino and Adrian Houser of the New York Mets.

If the Rangers are looking to pitchers who could offer team control beyond just the 2024 season, the Miami Marlins might be the best team to contact. Jesús Luzardo and Eury Perez are two possibilities, with both pitchers not hitting free agency for quite some time.

The best-case scenario for the Rangers is that the trio of injured starters return healthy and effective. In the event that doesn't happen, Rangers fans can take solace in the fact that there will be some arms available at the trade deadline that could help the team make playoff push during the second half of the season.

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