MLB Rumors: Rangers Are Jordan Montgomery's 'First Choice' Over Yankees in FA

Jordan Montgomery could be eyeing a return to the Texas Rangers rather than reuniting with his former team, the New York Yankees, per NJ.com's Randy Miller.

According to Miller, the free agent pitcher would prefer to stay with the Rangers after winning the World Series with them in 2023, though Montgomery is the Yankees' first choice.

"The person with knowledge of the Yankees' thinking says Montgomery is the Yankees' first choice to upgrade the rotation, but doubts a reunion will happen because Montgomery prefers to return to the Rangers after their first world championship in 2023," Miller wrote. "Montgomery was a key component in Texas' run through the postseason, and bonded with his teammates there."

A person with knowledge of the situation told Miller that after spending the 2023 season with Texas, Montgomery's first choice is the Rangers.

"I'm told that Montgomery's first choice is the Rangers," the person said. "He loves Texas. That's really where he wants to go."

Montgomery, who is coming off a one-year $10 million contract, has yet to sign a new deal as his side looks for a larger figure. Per Miller, Montgomery's agent, Scott Boras, wants more than the six-year, $162 million deal that Carlos Rodon signed last offseason.

Last season, Montgomery had a 10-11 record in 32 starts, notching a 3.20 ERA, a 4.1 WAR and 166 strikeouts in 188.2 innings pitched.

Just a few weeks ago, the Yankees missed out on adding Yoshinobu Yamato, who ultimately landed with the Los Angeles Dodgers despite a lofty $300 million offer from New York. Now, it seems the Yankees could be in danger of missing out on another pitcher.

Miller noted a handful of other issues New York could face when it comes to free agent pitchers as well. He said the Yankees won't be able to land Blake Snell unless his agent lowers the asking price, they have no interest in left-hander Shota Imanaga and won't be able to sign Chicago White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease and Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Corbin Burnes because of their contract demands.

With the possible threat of not signing any big-name free agents before spring training, the Yankees could be heading into the season with a scarcity in starting pitchers.

New York is looking to return to glory and reach the World Series for the first time since the 2009 win, but the Yankees will need to add some arms to the rotation to do so.