The Diamondbacks and pitcher Jordan Montgomery have reportedly reached an agreement on a one-year contract worth $25 million, with additional incentives. The deal includes a $20 million vesting player option for the 2025 season, dependent on Montgomery starting at least ten games in 2024. Should he meet this criterion, his option will vest at $20 million, with extra incentives of $2.5 million each upon reaching 18 and 23 starts during the 2024 season. However, the deal is still pending a physical examination.
This deal concludes a lengthy period of free agency for Montgomery, who notably defeated the Diamondbacks in the 2023 World Series while playing for the Rangers. Arizona will be Montgomery’s fourth team in the past three seasons. He spent the entirety of his career with the Yankees until he was traded to St. Louis in 2022 in exchange for center fielder Harrison Bader.
During his time with the Yankees, Montgomery showcased his ability as a quality mid-rotation arm, despite missing parts of the 2018 and 2019 seasons due to injury. He maintained respectable statistics with a 3.94 ERA and 3.90 FIP over 98 appearances. His performance since leaving New York has been particularly impressive, solidifying his position as a reliable starting pitcher.
For the Diamondbacks, signing Montgomery is a significant enhancement to their starting rotation, especially after acquiring Eduardo Rodriguez earlier. With Montgomery joining pitchers like Zac Gallen, Rodriguez, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt, the team’s rotation appears notably stronger than in the previous season.
However, the team faces uncertainties regarding the availability of their starting pitchers, with Rodriguez and Montgomery both facing setbacks at the start of the season due to injuries. Despite this, Montgomery’s delayed start could have financial benefits for him, as he would not be eligible for a qualifying offer from the Diamondbacks if he were to become a free agent again.
Montgomery’s addition contributes to the Diamondbacks’ record-breaking payroll, which has been significantly increased through various offseason acquisitions, indicating the team’s determination to compete at the highest level in the upcoming season.
