Rangers Bring Back 2023 World Series Champion on $1.25M Deal

Jordan Montgomery returns to Texas after injury-plagued 2024-25 seasons.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Texas Rangers have agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract with left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery, who helped the team win the 2023 World Series. Montgomery is expected to join the Rangers' rotation in the second half of the 2026 season as he recovers from an elbow injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025 campaign.

Why it matters

The Rangers are bolstering their pitching depth by bringing back a proven postseason performer in Montgomery, who could provide a valuable mid-season boost to their rotation as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

Montgomery, 33, was acquired by the Rangers in a midseason trade with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2023 and went on to post a 2.79 ERA in 11 regular season starts and a 2.90 ERA in 5 postseason starts to help the team win the World Series. However, his free agent deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024 was a disappointment, as he struggled to a 6.23 ERA before missing all of 2025 due to elbow surgery.

  • Montgomery is expected to join the Rangers' rotation in the second half of the 2026 season.

The players

Jordan Montgomery

A left-handed pitcher who helped the Texas Rangers win the 2023 World Series and is now returning to the team on a one-year, $1.25 million contract as he recovers from an elbow injury.

Nathan Eovaldi

One of the starting pitchers the Rangers have added to their rotation this offseason.

Jacob deGrom

Another starting pitcher the Rangers have added to their rotation this offseason.

Jack Leiter

A young pitching prospect who is part of the Rangers' revamped rotation.

Jacob Latz

A young pitching prospect who is part of the Rangers' revamped rotation.

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What they’re saying

“The Rangers are acquiring left-hander Jordan Montgomery with the idea he'll be a useful second-half member of the pitching staff.”

— Evan Grant, Reporter (The Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

The Rangers will monitor Montgomery's recovery from elbow surgery and expect him to join their rotation in the second half of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

By bringing back Montgomery on a low-risk, incentive-laden deal, the Rangers are adding valuable pitching depth and a proven postseason performer to their rotation as they aim to build on their 2023 World Series championship.