As the MLB trade deadline approaches, teams looking to bolster their pitching staff for a postseason run are scanning the market for impact arms. One name that continues to be mentioned in trade rumors is Jordan Montgomery, the 30-year-old left-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. Montgomery, who has posted solid numbers over the past few seasons, could be an ideal fit for a team like the Atlanta Braves, who are looking to strengthen their rotation for another deep playoff push. But how could a trade for Montgomery work, and what would it take for the Braves to land the veteran southpaw? Let’s break it down.
Why Jordan Montgomery Makes Sense for the Braves
The Atlanta Braves are currently one of the most well-rounded teams in Major League Baseball. Their explosive offense, headlined by stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley, has carried them to the top of the National League East. However, despite having a talented pitching staff, the Braves’ rotation has experienced some inconsistencies, particularly in the postseason, where pitchers like Max Fried and Spencer Strider will be heavily relied upon.
Montgomery would provide a reliable, veteran presence to this rotation. He’s been a steady performer over the last few years, both with the New York Yankees and the Cardinals. In 2023, Montgomery posted a solid 3.49 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP, striking out 165 batters in 174 innings. What makes him especially appealing to a contender like Atlanta is his ability to eat innings, something that would help preserve the Braves’ bullpen for the later rounds of October. Moreover, Montgomery is a left-handed pitcher, which adds balance to a Braves rotation that is heavily right-handed, providing them a different look in the postseason.
In addition to his durability, Montgomery’s postseason pedigree could also be a key factor. Though he’s only made a few playoff appearances, he has been solid in those outings, making him a trusted commodity in big games. For a team like Atlanta, which is eyeing a World Series, Montgomery could be an essential piece to help bridge the gap to their dominant bullpen in October.
What the Braves Could Offer
To make a deal for Montgomery work, the Braves would need to offer a mix of prospects and major league-ready talent. The Cardinals are clearly in a rebuilding mode, and while Montgomery’s performance has been steady, he’s a free agent after the 2024 season. This makes him a prime trade candidate, as St. Louis looks to get something in return before he walks in free agency.
The Braves’ Farm System is deep, especially in terms of high-ceiling prospects, which could be the key to getting a deal done. One name that could be included in the trade package is Jared Shuster, a left-handed pitching prospect who has made some starts at the major league level for the Braves. Shuster’s potential as a future middle-of-the-rotation starter could appeal to the Cardinals as they look to restock their pitching depth. Another potential piece could be Braden Shewmake, a shortstop prospect who is ready for a big league call-up. Though shortstop isn’t a position of need for the Cardinals, Shewmake could be used as a trade chip in a package, especially if St. Louis sees him as a potential replacement for Paul DeJong or someone to move around the diamond.
To balance the trade, the Braves could also consider including a minor-league hitter such as Dylan Dodd or David McCabe, both of whom have shown promise in the lower levels. Given the Braves’ current position as a playoff contender, they may be willing to part with a few promising young players to improve their chances in the immediate future.
What Montgomery Brings to the Table
Montgomery’s biggest asset to the Braves would be his stability and postseason experience. In a rotation that includes Spencer Strider, Max Fried, and Charlie Morton, Montgomery would slot in as a reliable No. 3 or No. 4 starter, giving manager Brian Snitker confidence in his ability to go deep into games during the high-pressure months of September and October. His control (only 2.3 walks per nine innings in 2023) and ability to keep the ball on the ground (46.3% ground ball rate) would help him thrive in the hitter-friendly environment of Truist Park.
Furthermore, Montgomery has experience pitching in the American League East, which would serve him well if the Braves make a deep postseason run. He has faced the likes of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays, teams that possess high-powered offenses, and his ability to navigate those lineups gives him a proven track record against tough competition.
Conclusion
The Atlanta Braves should absolutely consider a trade for Jordan Montgomery, who would bring stability, postseason experience, and depth to their pitching staff. The move would bolster an already talented roster and give the Braves another reliable option in their rotation as they eye a World Series title. A trade package involving some combination of Jared Shuster, Braden Shewmake, and other prospects could be enough to land Montgomery from the rebuilding St. Louis Cardinals. With their World Series window wide open, this is the type of move that could push Atlanta over the top in the highly competitive National League.
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