The New York Yankees acquired outfielder Harrison Bader from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for left-handed starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery before the Major League Baseball trade deadline, as pinstripesnation.com reported.
Jordan Montgomery Goes to St. Louis After Strong First Half
Jordan Montgomery departs New York after posting a 3.69 ERA over 114 innings this season. The left-hander recorded a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.22 while generating a career-best 46 percent ground-ball rate and consistently throwing strikes. Montgomery relies on a three-pitch mix featuring a 93 mph fastball, a curveball, and a changeup sitting in the low 80s. Under team control through the 2023 season, Montgomery joins a Cardinals rotation that added left-hander José Quintana from the Pittsburgh Pirates to address immediate pitching needs.
Harrison Bader Brings Elite Defense to New York
Harrison Bader arrives in New York as a premier defensive center fielder, rated by Baseball-Reference as the best defensive outfielder in Major League Baseball. Before landing on the injured list, Bader batted five home runs and 15 stolen bases. According to MLB.com reporter Bryan Hoch, Bader required a walking boot for one to two weeks following the injury and will not return immediately, though the team expects him back before the regular season concludes.
Yankees Roster Adjustments and Rotation Depth
The addition of Bader gives the Yankees a natural center fielder, potentially allowing Aaron Judge to shift permanently to a corner outfield spot. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ rotation depth remains stable despite parting with Montgomery. New York acquired starting pitcher Frankie Montas earlier in the week and anticipates Luis Severino returning from the injured list, leaving the club with six starting pitching options.
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