Jordan Montgomery Rejoins Texas Rangers on 1-Year Deal

Veteran pitcher looks to bounce back from injury with former World Series champions

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:04am

A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the complex and uncertain nature of Montgomery's return to the Rangers.Montgomery's comeback attempt with the Rangers represents a high-stakes gamble, with the team hoping his past success can overcome his recent injury struggles.Hermann Today

Jordan Montgomery, a seasoned left-handed pitcher, is heading back to the Texas Rangers, the team he helped bring to World Series glory. But this time, it's a different story. The Rangers are taking a chance on a pitcher recovering from his second elbow reconstruction surgery.

Why it matters

Montgomery's return to the Rangers is a high-risk, high-reward move. The team is betting on the 33-year-old's ability to recapture his past success and help them repeat as champions, despite his recent injury struggles.

The details

On February 11, 2026, ESPN broke the news of Montgomery's one-year deal worth $1.25 million, with the potential for more based on performance. This reunion comes after a rollercoaster journey for the veteran pitcher. Traded to the Rangers in 2023, Montgomery delivered a stellar performance, including a crucial win in the AL Championship Series Game 7. However, his free agency led him to the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he struggled with injuries and inconsistent pitching. The $25 million contract he signed there sparked public backlash from the team owner, Ken Kendrick, especially after Montgomery's $22.5 million option for 2025 and subsequent surgery.

  • On February 11, 2026, ESPN broke the news of Montgomery's one-year deal with the Texas Rangers.
  • In 2023, Montgomery was traded to the Rangers and helped the team reach the World Series.
  • In 2025, Montgomery signed a $25 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, which sparked backlash from the team owner.

The players

Jordan Montgomery

A seasoned left-handed pitcher with eight big league seasons under his belt, including stints with the Yankees, Cardinals, Rangers, and Diamondbacks. He boasts a 46-41 record and a 4.03 ERA.

Ken Kendrick

The owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who publicly criticized Montgomery's $25 million contract and subsequent injury.

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What’s next

The Rangers will be closely monitoring Montgomery's recovery and performance during spring training and the start of the 2026 season to see if he can regain his past form and contribute to their title defense.

The takeaway

Montgomery's return to the Rangers represents a high-risk, high-reward move for the team, as they gamble on the veteran pitcher's ability to bounce back from injury and recapture his past success. The story will be closely watched by fans and the baseball community alike.