The Yankees’ starting pitching depth evaporated faster than anyone expected.
New York entered spring with a surplus after signing Max Fried in free agency, briefly boasting seven legitimate rotation options. They quickly traded Nestor Cortes to Milwaukee for closer Devin Williams in a move that made perfect sense at the time.
Now they’re scrambling. Luis Gil, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, was shut down Monday for at least six weeks with a high-grade lat strain. The injury thrusts Marcus Stroman into a more prominent role despite his name floating in trade rumors all winter.
With Opening Day just three weeks away, the Yankees might need to explore other options. One intriguing possibility? A reunion with Jordan Montgomery.
FanSided’s Rucker Haringey proposed the idea Monday, suggesting the Yankees could bring back their former lefty from Arizona.
“(This) sort of deal will only happen if the Diamondbacks are willing to eat a huge portion of his salary. Montgomery is due $22.5 million and the chances of him pitching well enough to justify that contract are slim,” Haringey wrote.
“Even so, Montgomery has a higher upside than Stroman, which makes him an intriguing trade candidate if the finances work out. There’s been no indication that the Diamondbacks and Yankees are talking but things can change quickly during Spring Training.”
Montgomery, 32, spent six seasons in the Bronx, posting a 3.94 ERA across 502 2/3 innings. The Yankees know exactly what they’d be getting. But his 6.23 ERA with Arizona last season is why he quickly opted into the second year of his deal.
The Diamondbacks just spent big on Corbin Burnes and have at least five other rotation options. They’d likely welcome any salary relief they could get for Montgomery.
It’s not the most likely scenario right now, but if Stroman continues struggling like he has this spring—or if another injury hits the rotation—don’t be surprised if Brian Cashman makes a call to his former pitcher. The Yankees championship window is wide open, and they can’t afford to waste it with a thin rotation.
