Yankees: Jordan Montgomery’s rookie season similar to Clayton Kershaw

What do Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery and Clayton Kershaw have in common? Besides the fact that both pitchers are left-handed, the two had very similar rookie seasons.

The New York Yankees 25-year-old southpaw, Jordan Montgomery, arguably had a successful rookie year in 2017. While the pitcher nicknamed ‘Gumby’ was essentially irrelevant during the Postseason run, he was vital to their regular season success.

After competing in Spring Training for the Yanks’ fifth rotation spot, he started the 2017 regular season in the minors. By mid-April, he was called up to make his major league debut as the Yankees No.13 prospect.

The rookie made the most of his opportunities in ’17, and he solidified himself as a bonafide major league pitcher. Early on in the season, experts compared him to Andy Pettitte and C.C. Sabathia.

Rookies are expected to have moments of veneration and vanquishment, but Montgomery was consistent for most of the season. Even though he was demoted after the Yankees acquired Sonny Gray and Jaime Garcia, it wasn’t because of his struggles.

The plan moving forward for Jordan Montgomery is up in the air, but he could be forced into the bullpen. Unfortunately, if the Yanks add another starting pitcher this offseason, there may conceivably be no locality to fit Monty.

Before the Yankees disregard Montgomery as a viable rotation option, a comparison with Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw‘s rookie season may be necessary.

Comparison To Clayton Kershaw’s Rookie Season

Regarding potential, Kershaw was scouted as one of the top prospects in 2006 coming out of high school. Montgomery didn’t receive as much hype from analysts as Baseball America projected him No. 120 coming out of college.

Part of the reason why scouts didn’t drool over Monty was his limited and boring pitching repertoire. But former Yankees manager Joe Girardi detected enough potential in the 6′ 6″ lefty to promote him.

As reported by NJ.com, Girardi had this to say about his lanky southpaw:

"“He was a four-pitch mix,” the manager said. “He had a very good downhill angle. He’s 6-foot-6. He’s left-handed. He was able to use his breaking ball extremely well, whether it was his curveball or his cutter, his changeup’s good. When he locates his fastball, it’s really good. His stuff is really good. And he’s got run to his fastball on the first base side of the plate. He has different ways to get you out.”"

Both Kershaw and Montgomery have good curveballs, but Kershaw’s will go down as legendary because of his unbelievable career. However, Kershaw was once a rookie, and his performance was very comparable to Montgomery’s 2017.

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In 155.1 IP, Montgomery posted a 9-7 record, 3.88 ERA, 4.07 FIP, 8.34 K/9, 2.95 BB/9 and 73.8% LOB%. In Kershaw’s 107.2 IP during his 2008 rookie season, he posted a 5-5 record, 4.26 ERA, 4.08 FIP, 8.36 K/9, 4.35 BB/9 and 75.7% LOB%.

The numbers are undeniably similar, but keep in mind Kershaw was only 20-years-old while Montgomery was 24.

The stats when analyzed do not prove Montgomery will ever be nearly as good as Kershaw.  Nevertheless, we know how great Kershaw became after some experience, so why can’t we give Montgomery a chance to improve?

What should the Yankees do with Jordan Montgomery in 2018?

In my opinion, GM Brian Cashman and new manager Aaron Boone shouldn’t lose faith in their inexperienced shooter. I say, keep him in a position to legitimately contend with Chad Green and others for the final rotation spot.

I understand the Yankees are in a position to win now, but trading him away would be a mistake.  Young, consistent left-handed starting pitchers are valuable, and they’re even better when learning from established veterans like teammate CC Sabathia.

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If Monty loses the starting pitcher battle, keep him on the active roster as a long reliever. The Yankees just need to continue to give Montgomery opportunities to find success.