The New York Mets have had a rocky start to their season, facing injuries and inconsistencies in their starting rotation. With a need for a reliable pitcher, the Mets may have found a potential solution in Arizona Diamondbacks’ left-hander, Jordan Montgomery. While it may seem like a risky move, taking a chance on Montgomery could be the boost the Mets need to turn their season around.
Montgomery, who made his MLB debut in 2017, has had a rollercoaster career so far. After a promising rookie season, he was sidelined for most of 2018 due to Tommy John surgery. However, he bounced back in 2019 with a strong performance, posting a 3.78 ERA in 27 starts for the Diamondbacks.
What makes Montgomery an attractive option for the Mets is his ability to pitch deep into games. In 2019, he averaged over six innings per start, providing much-needed consistency and stability for his team. This is a skill that the Mets’ rotation is currently lacking, with starters struggling to get past the fifth inning.
Another factor that makes Montgomery an appealing choice for the Mets is his left-handedness. With the majority of the Mets’ rotation consisting of right-handed pitchers, adding a lefty like Montgomery could provide a valuable change of pace for opposing teams. This could prove to be a significant advantage for the Mets, especially in a division where most of their rivals have strong left-handed hitters.
Montgomery also possesses a diverse pitching arsenal, with a four-seam fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup in his repertoire. This variety of pitches makes him challenging to predict and gives him an edge over batters. His slider, in particular, has been a reliable out pitch, with a 33.8% whiff rate in 2019.
But perhaps the most compelling reason for the Mets to take a chance on Montgomery is his consistency. In his two full seasons in the MLB, he has maintained an above-average ERA and WHIP, showing that he can perform at a high level consistently. This is something that the Mets desperately need in their rotation, as their starters have had a hard time stringing together back-to-back quality starts.
Of course, there are some valid concerns about Montgomery’s injury history and whether he can sustain his performance over a full season. However, this risk could be mitigated by the Mets’ deep bullpen, which could provide support and rest for their starters as needed. Additionally, Montgomery has shown resilience and determination in bouncing back from his injury, proving that he has the mental fortitude to overcome any challenges.
The Mets’ current rotation has been a cause for concern, with injuries and inconsistencies plaguing their starters. While they have some promising young pitchers in their farm system, it may be too early to rely on them to carry the team. Therefore, bringing in a proven starter like Montgomery could be a game-changing move for the Mets.
Adding Montgomery to the rotation would not only provide much-needed stability but also strengthen the Mets’ chances of making a push for the playoffs. With a strong offense and a solid bullpen, the Mets have the pieces to be a competitive team, and Montgomery could be the missing link in their rotation.
Moreover, Montgomery’s presence in the rotation could also have a positive impact on the team’s morale. His work ethic and determination to come back from injury could inspire and motivate his teammates to push themselves harder. This could create a domino effect, leading to a stronger and more unified team.
In conclusion, the New York Mets have an opportunity to take a chance on Jordan Montgomery and fill the hole in their rotation. While there may be some risks involved, the potential benefits far outweigh them. Montgomery’s consistency, left-handedness, and diverse pitching arsenal make him an attractive option for the Mets, and his addition could be the spark they need to turn their season around. Let’s hope the Mets take this chance and bring Montgomery to the Big Apple.
