The Baltimore Orioles made a bold and impactful move as they acquired Jordan Montgomery, a World Series champion, in a trade worth $25 million. This acquisition marks a significant statement from the Orioles, who have been on an upward trajectory in recent years, striving to return to postseason glory. With Montgomery now on their roster, they’re clearly signaling that they are serious about making a deep run in October.
Montgomery, who earned a reputation for his steady, reliable pitching and poise in high-pressure situations, is the type of pitcher that could transform Baltimore’s pitching staff. Having helped the St. Louis Cardinals secure a Wild Card spot and contributing significantly to their championship run with the Texas Rangers, Montgomery brings a wealth of experience that is invaluable during the postseason. In fact, his performance in the 2023 World Series will only add to the confidence that the Orioles will have in him down the stretch of this season.
For the Orioles, who have already exceeded expectations this season, Montgomery represents a clear upgrade in their starting rotation. While the team has a strong core of players and budding stars, their pitching staff was seen as the potential Achilles’ heel when it comes to a postseason run. The addition of Montgomery not only adds depth but also provides a dependable option for manager Brandon Hyde when it comes to setting up a competitive rotation for the postseason. His ability to eat innings and pitch effectively under pressure gives the Orioles a strong foundation moving forward.
One of the standout qualities of Montgomery is his ability to remain calm in high-leverage situations. The Orioles’ younger pitchers, while talented, have yet to experience the level of postseason pressure that Montgomery has thrived under. His leadership could be crucial in ensuring the team remains focused and composed during the intensity of the playoffs. The Orioles will no longer have to rely solely on their younger arms to carry them through potentially tight playoff games. With Montgomery on board, they have a veteran presence who knows exactly how to handle the pressure.
The trade also signals that the Orioles are fully embracing their window of contention. After years of rebuilding, they are now a team with the potential to contend for a World Series title, and adding Montgomery shows they are not waiting for success to come to them—they are actively pursuing it. The front office’s willingness to spend $25 million on a key addition demonstrates their commitment to putting the best possible team on the field for the postseason.
Looking ahead, this trade could have a ripple effect on the rest of the Orioles’ pitching staff. With Montgomery in the mix, other pitchers like Kyle Gibson, Dean Kremer, and Grayson Rodriguez could see their roles become more defined. Whether it’s moving to a more suitable bullpen role or having a more balanced workload, Montgomery’s presence will offer the flexibility for the Orioles to fine-tune their pitching staff for the playoffs.
In conclusion, the Orioles have made a statement with the acquisition of Jordan Montgomery. His postseason experience, calm demeanor under pressure, and reliable pitching will be an asset as the team aims to make a deep playoff run. With the Orioles continuing to improve and showing a clear commitment to winning now, Montgomery’s addition could be the difference-maker they need to compete for a World Series title in 2025.
