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By the time spring training opens on Thursday, two MLB insiders predict that free agent Jordan Montgomery will sign a deal with the Texas Rangers.

While there has been public movement between the Texas Rangers and Jordan Montgomery, much could happen this week. That’s the prediction, at least. The reigning World Series champions and one of the most-prized free agents still on the market could come to terms on a new contract on the eve of spring training. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to the Rangers’ complex in Surprise, Ariz., by Thursday.

That appears to be a soft deadline for Montgomery, who came up big for Texas after the trade deadline last season and on the way to the franchise’s first championship. MLB.com insiders Mark Feinsand and Jon Paul Morosi tacked the issue of when the four remaining big free agents – Montgomery, Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman and Blake Snell – will sign. All four all Scott Boras clients, which helps explain why they haven’t signed.

Both expect Montgomery to sign with the Rangers this week. Feinsand wrote that Montgomery “seems destined for a reunion with the Rangers if the two sides can agree on a number.”

Neither insider believes Montgomery will remain a free agent by Opening Day. They both did name the Philadelphia Phillies a possible club to swoop in and sign Montgomery if the Rangers can’t get a deal done.