LATEST NEWS: The New York Yankees have reportedly reinitiated communication with a left-handed pitcher who is seeking a contract worth $172 million.

If Major League Baseball’s spring free agency resembles a game of musical chairs, it seems there’s only one chair remaining, with several teams vying for it. The New York Yankees, in particular, face a significant dilemma in this situation.

The focal point of this scenario is left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery, a former Yankees player who is currently a free agent despite his impressive performance in last year’s postseason and his contribution to the Texas Rangers’ 2023 World Series championship.

With ace pitcher Gerrit Cole sidelined due to an elbow injury, the Yankees are confronted with the decision of whether to actively pursue reinforcement for manager Aaron Boone’s rotation or to maintain their current stance. While Cole’s injury prognosis appears somewhat positive, with no surgery required and a potential return in early June, starting the season without another quality starting pitcher poses a risk for the team.

Enter Jordan Montgomery—among the Yankees’ available options, he stands out as the last viable choice. According to insights from New York Post insider Jon Heyman, discussions between Montgomery and the Yankees have resumed.

However, the Yankees had initially preferred other options, such as Blake Snell, due to concerns raised by their analytics team regarding Montgomery’s pitching attributes, including his velocity and strikeout rate. Additionally, there were rumors suggesting that Montgomery preferred to sign with another team.

Despite their initial preferences, the Yankees find themselves back in contact with Montgomery. This turn of events follows missed opportunities to acquire other pitchers, such as Dylan Cease from the White Sox and Cy Young winner Snell. The signing of Michael Lorenzen by the Rangers further highlights the limited options available for the Yankees.

The primary obstacle to Montgomery’s signing has been the price tag. The Yankees are hesitant to commit significant funds to a player they traded away in 2022, believing that Montgomery’s performance during his time away from New York does not warrant a big-money contract. However, Montgomery has shown improvement since leaving the Yankees, posting solid numbers with the Cardinals and Rangers.

Montgomery’s camp reportedly seeks a contract comparable to that of Aaron Nola, who received a lucrative deal with the Phillies. While Montgomery’s performance merits consideration, the market sentiment appears to favor Nola.

Despite the reservations on both sides, the Yankees and Montgomery may find themselves revisiting negotiations due to the lack of appealing alternatives. As discussions continue, the outcome remains uncertain for both parties involved.