3 starting pitchers to snag if the Cubs' plans fall through

3 pitchers to snag just in case - 2. Jordan Montgomery

Closer to the top tier of free-agent pitchers is Jordan Montgomery. Between St. Louis and Texas last season, Montgomery recorded a stellar 3.20 ERA over 188.2 innings of work. Montgomery has a 3.48 ERA combined over the past three seasons, proving his consistency. He is the perfect candidate to beef up the starting rotation going into 2024 if Jed Hoyer is willing to pay the necessary funds to land him.

Montgomery is only entering his age 30 season, and after recording a 4.3 WAR (according to Fangraphs), there's still plenty left in the tank for him to help any ballclub take it to the next level. Where the Cubs might balk is offering him a five-year deal. Jon Heyman reported earlier in the month that Montgomery could net a contract in the range of 125-130M, and that he may want to return to the Yankees, Cardinals, or Rangers. The Cubs would have to bite the bullet, but offering him a higher AAV on a shorter contract may be one way to get him listening.