Jordan Montgomery Returns to Rangers: Recovery, Role & Post-Surgery Concerns
- The Texas Rangers have brought back left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery on a one-year major league deal, February 11, 2026, according to reports.
- Montgomery, 33, is expected to earn a base salary of $1.25 million, with the potential to earn more through performance bonuses.
- During the Rangers’ championship run in 2023, Montgomery posted a 3-1 record with a 2.90 ERA in five postseason starts.
Rangers Re-Sign World Series Pitcher Jordan Montgomery
The Texas Rangers have brought back left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery on a one-year major league deal, , according to reports. The move reunites the Rangers with a key contributor from their World Series championship team.
Montgomery, 33, is expected to earn a base salary of $1.25 million, with the potential to earn more through performance bonuses. However, his return to the mound is contingent on his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in .
During the Rangers’ championship run in , Montgomery posted a 3-1 record with a 2.90 ERA in five postseason starts. He delivered a particularly strong performance in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, pitching 6 1/3 scoreless innings.
The Rangers acquired Montgomery at the trade deadline in after he had previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals. He formed a formidable pitching duo with Nathan Eovaldi, helping to propel the Rangers to their first World Series title.
Montgomery’s path back to Arlington wasn’t straightforward. After the season, he sought a larger contract in free agency, signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, his performance declined significantly in , posting a 6.23 ERA before undergoing elbow surgery.
The surgery, a hybrid ligament reconstruction performed by Rangers medical director Dr. Keith Meister, required a lengthy recovery process. Montgomery is currently approximately 11 months removed from the procedure and is expected to begin throwing from 120 feet next week, gradually building up to throwing off a full mound.
The timing of his return remains uncertain, with Montgomery acknowledging it could be before or after the All-Star break. A return in mid-July would mark 16 months since the surgery.
Montgomery expressed his comfort and familiarity with the Rangers organization, stating, “Definitely being here and just kind of having that comfortability, my feet under me, having people around me that know me, it really adds a lot of value.” He also noted his appreciation for the team’s support during his recovery.
One change Montgomery will face is the absence of pitching development specialist Mike Maddox, who previously helped him refine his arsenal during his time with the Cardinals in . Montgomery credited Maddox with assisting his adjustments before joining the Rangers in .
Montgomery’s most effective pitch is his sinker, which, when combined with his curveball, creates a challenging combination for hitters. He famously struck out Yordan Alvarez three times during the postseason.
While the Rangers are optimistic about Montgomery’s potential, his recovery and ability to regain his previous form remain key questions. The team will work with manager Skip Schumaker and pitching coach Jordan Tiegs to assess his progress and determine the best role for him within the pitching rotation.
According to MLB.com’s pitching depth chart, Montgomery is currently listed at the bottom of the Rangers’ rotation. However, his experience and potential impact could see him play a significant role as the season progresses, particularly if the Rangers can maintain offensive production and receive quality starts from other pitchers like MacKenzie Gore.
The Rangers, who missed the postseason in both and , are hoping Montgomery’s return will bolster their pitching staff and help them contend for another postseason berth, potentially leading to another opportunity for postseason success.