Royals Rumors: Early look at Royals trades so far in 2019
Mike Montgomery had a rocky stint with the Cubs this year.
FanGraphs had his ERA at a staggering 6.83, which is about doubling his earlier two years worth of ERAs (3.38 in 2017 and 3.99 in 2018). His numbers would show that his trajectory is pointing towards a declining career. In an interesting piece, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun Times wrote:
"Myth: Something must be going on, because a left-hander who can start or pitch in relief with two years of control left is a lot more valuable than a backup catcher. Reality: Not when he has a 5.67 ERA and has declined in value in every possible role for the Cubs, and when interested teams can’t get a scouting report off his 2019 appearances to suggest anything better than that. Think: change of scenery…"
With the evidence mounting toward a declining pitcher, why did the Royals trade for him rather than a prospect? Montgomery is 30 years old whereas Maldonado (who was only a stopgap catcher) is 32 years old.
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Maldonado’s contract is up at the end of the season, however, Montgomery’s contract has two more years of control left. Another reason to gain Montgomery is that the Royals already knew him. They scouted him, drafted him, then gave him the tools to compete in the minors before packing him off to the Rays in the blockbuster trade of Wil Myers and Jake Odorizzi for James Shields and Wade Davis in 2012.
As Wittenmyer pointed out, a change of scenery coupled with some familiar faces could help Montgomery re-establish himself.
If he can re-establish himself into a serviceable pitcher, the Royals may have found their second gem that stems from a midseason trade of players with poor numbers. The other gem was the Jonathan Sánchez for Jeremy Guthrie trade that worked out swimmingly for the Royals and Guthrie.
If he can return to form, Montgomery could be flipped for better/MLB ready prospects in a year from now or he can be the veteran presence for the younger hurlers that is in the minors.