Rangers Re-Sign World Series Pitcher Jordan Montgomery

The left-hander returns to Texas on a one-year deal as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Texas Rangers have brought back left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery on a one-year major league deal, reuniting with a key contributor from their 2023 World Series championship team. Montgomery, 33, is expected to earn a base salary of $1.25 million, with the potential to earn more through performance bonuses. However, his return to the mound is contingent on his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in April 2025.

Why it matters

Montgomery was a crucial part of the Rangers' 2023 World Series run, and his return could bolster their pitching staff and help them contend for another postseason berth. However, his recovery and ability to regain his previous form remain key questions.

The details

During the Rangers' championship run in 2023, Montgomery posted a 3-1 record with a 2.90 ERA in five postseason starts. He delivered a particularly strong performance in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, pitching 6 1/3 scoreless innings. After the 2023 season, he sought a larger contract in free agency, signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but his performance declined significantly in 2024, posting a 6.23 ERA before undergoing elbow surgery. The surgery, a hybrid ligament reconstruction performed by Rangers medical director Dr. Keith Meister, required a lengthy recovery process. Montgomery is currently approximately 11 months removed from the procedure and is expected to begin throwing from 120 feet next week, gradually building up to throwing off a full mound.

  • Montgomery underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2025.
  • Montgomery is currently approximately 11 months removed from the procedure and is expected to begin throwing from 120 feet next week.
  • A return in mid-July would mark 16 months since the surgery.

The players

Jordan Montgomery

A 33-year-old left-handed pitcher who was a key contributor to the Texas Rangers' 2023 World Series championship team.

Nathan Eovaldi

A pitcher who formed a formidable pitching duo with Jordan Montgomery, helping to propel the Rangers to their first World Series title in 2023.

Dr. Keith Meister

The Rangers' medical director who performed the hybrid ligament reconstruction surgery on Jordan Montgomery.

Skip Schumaker

The Rangers' manager who will work with pitching coach Jordan Tiegs to assess Montgomery's progress and determine the best role for him within the pitching rotation.

Jordan Tiegs

The Rangers' pitching coach who will work with manager Skip Schumaker to assess Montgomery's progress and determine the best role for him within the pitching rotation.

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What they’re saying

“Definitely being here and just kind of having that comfortability, my feet under me, having people around me that know me, it really adds a lot of value.”

— Jordan Montgomery (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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