Texas Rangers Bolster Pitching Staff with Acquisitions of Jordan Montgomery and Chris Stratton
In an effort to fortify their pitching rotation, the Texas Rangers have made another significant move by acquiring left-hander Jordan Montgomery and reliever Chris Stratton from the St. Louis Cardinals. This transaction comes on the heels of the Rangers’ recent addition of three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer from the New York Mets.
To secure Montgomery and Stratton, the Rangers sent left-hander John King, minor league infielder Tommy Saggese, and Double-A right-hander T.K. Roby to the Cardinals. Additionally, the Rangers designated right-hander Joe Barlow for assignment to open up a spot on the 40-man roster.
Montgomery, who expressed enthusiasm about joining the Rangers, brings a solid track record to his new team. With a 3.42 ERA in 21 starts for the Cardinals, he has shown consistency and the ability to deliver quality performances on the mound. Stratton, a reliever with a 4.36 ERA, adds depth and versatility to the Rangers’ bullpen.
The Rangers’ decision to bolster their pitching staff stems from the unfortunate news of ace Nathan Eovaldi being placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right forearm strain. Eovaldi’s injury prompted the team to be proactive in addressing their pitching needs and seeking reinforcements.
Manager Bruce Bochy expressed his excitement about the acquisitions, acknowledging that Montgomery and Stratton would significantly strengthen the team. As the Rangers aim to maintain their position atop the AL West, these new additions are expected to make an immediate impact and contribute to the team’s success.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals decided to make moves with an eye towards the future. General manager John Mozeliak acknowledged the challenges the team has faced this season and emphasized the importance of focusing on building a competitive roster for 2024 and beyond. As part of this vision, the Cardinals also traded hard-throwing reliever Jordan Hicks to the Toronto Blue Jays.
For the Rangers, the acquisition of Scherzer has undoubtedly been the centerpiece of their recent moves. The three-time Cy Young Award winner provides the team with a dominant presence on the mound and a wealth of experience. In exchange for Scherzer, the Rangers parted ways with highly-rated infield prospect Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr.
As the Rangers continue to revamp their pitching staff, they are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the AL West. With Montgomery, Stratton, and Scherzer, the team has significantly upgraded their rotation and bullpen, solidifying their chances of making a deep playoff run.
Time will tell whether these moves will pay off for the Rangers and if they can maintain their position at the top of their division. The momentum generated by these acquisitions has undoubtedly elevated expectations and excitement within the organization and among fans alike.
In conclusion, the Texas Rangers have taken significant steps to bolster their pitching staff, acquiring Jordan Montgomery, Chris Stratton, and Max Scherzer in separate trades. These moves demonstrate the team’s commitment to their postseason aspirations and have undoubtedly added depth and talent to their rotation and bullpen. With the AL West race heating up, the Rangers hope that their revamped pitching staff will give them the edge they need to secure a playoff berth and make a deep postseason run.
