Jordan Montgomery's playoff dominance makes Yankees podcaster question Brian Cashman: "We traded him when we were a WS-contending team"
When the New York Yankees traded pitcher Jordan Montgomery to the St. Louis Cardinals at the 2022 trade deadline, they were in a very different state. Now, after having missed the playoffs by a wide margin, the left-hander's postseason performance is filling Yankees fans will all sorts of regrets.
After a year on the Cards, Montgomery was traded to the Rangers at the 2023 deadline. Since arriving in Texas, the 30-year old has been nothing short of magnificent. Now, it appears as though he may be heading to the World Series.
In a recent podcast, Jimmy O'Brien, founder of Jomboy Media and avowed New York Yankees fan, ripped into his team's GM Brian Cashman. According to O'Brien, the Yankees were a top-tier team when the decision to trade Montgomery was made.
In the months following the trade, the Yankees made it to the ALCS, losing to the Houston Astros.
"Jordan Montgomery shutting down the Astros in the ALCS is a brutal look for Cashman and co." - Talkin' Yanks
Moreover, the player who came to New York, Harrison Bader, is no longer even playing for the Yankees. After hitting .240/.278/.365 with seven home runs and 37 RBIs, Bader was traded to the Cincinnati Reds at the 2023 deadline.
Meanwhile, Jordan Montgomery's 11 starts for the 2023 Rangers was among the best stretches of pitching he has ever put forth. In 67 innings, he went 4-2, striking out 58 and pitching to an ERA of just 2.79. However, in the postseason, Montgomery has really proven his worth.
"GOT HIM. Jordan Montgomery gets out of the bases loaded jam!" - FOX Sports: MLB
With the Texas Rangers 7-0 in the playoffs, Jordan Montgomery is 2-0 in three starts. The South Carolinian has allowed 20 hits in 17 innings.
His excellent performances include a masterful performance in Game 2 against the Houston Astros. Montgomery pitched 6.1 shutout innings, allowing just five hits as his team took a commanding 2-0 lead.
Jordan Montgomery may be entering the zenith of his career
In seven seasons in MLB, Montgomery has been solid but not extraordinary. Although the left-hander finished sixth in the 2017 AL Rookie of the Year voting, he has never been named an All-Star.
Until very recently, he was not considered a top-tier starter. Amidst an otherworldly postseason campaign that could culminate in a Rangers' World Series win, Montgomery is finally getting the recognition he has long deserved.