MLB: The Three Best Number-Five Starting Pitchers in Baseball

By Jason Reed | Feb 21, 2017

Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz (31) leaves the game in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Mike Montgomery

Mike Montgomery was traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Chicago Cubs in July of last season. Montgomery spent the majority of his time on both teams coming out of the bullpen, totaling 49 appearances with only seven starts. Five of these starts came as a Chicago Cub, and heading into 2017 Montgomery looks primed for a starting role. With the loss of Jason Hammel, the fifth spot is open, and despite signing Brett Anderson that spot currently belongs to Mike Montgomery.

Montgomery absolutely thrived last season, and that was to no surprise as he was once one of the highest touted prospects in baseball. Montgomery was ranked as high as the 19th best prospect by Baseball America (2011) and 31st best by MLB.com (2012). That hype around Montgomery lived up to standards as last season he compiled a 2.52 ERA in 100 innings pitched. Montgomery rang up 92 batters in that time, only walking 38.

With an extended sample size in his second MLB season, Montgomery has shown he is ready to brace the starting rotation. The 27-year-old, six-foot-five left-hander will thrive in MLB as he develops. I am certain that in only a few years we will see Montgomery soar past a five-slot in the rotation.

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