Jordan Montgomery Rumors: Phillies Eye Free Agent amid Yankees Buzz Before MLB Opener

Starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery remains on the Philadelphia Phillies' radar with Opening Day quickly approaching, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Nightengale reported the Phillies "are at least internally discussing the possibility" and have yet to make a firm decision one way or the other.

This comes days after the New York Post's Jon Heyman reported Montgomery's representatives and the New York Yankees "are back in contact" but still some distance apart in negotiations.

After Blake Snell signed only a two-year deal with the San Francisco Giants, the Phillies and others might have felt more emboldened about playing hardball with Montgomery.

However, Philadelphia is likely feeling an increased level of desperation as well with right-hander Taijuan Walker sidelined due to a right shoulder problem. At the very least, Walker could open the year on the 15-day injured list.

Maybe the Phillies love their internal options to replace Walker. Spencer Turnbull is poised to join the rotation but doesn't inspire a ton of confidence after allowing 25 earned runs across 31 innings in 2023, his first year back from Tommy John surgery.

If Philly wants outside help to bolster its pitching staff, then Montgomery is far and away the top option on the table. There's a sizable gap between him and the best of what's left.

Whereas Snell didn't gain that much from playing the waiting game, Montgomery could ultimately have more leverage to find a middle ground between what he's seeking and what suitors have been prepared to offer.