Jordan Montgomery had an exceptional walk year in 2023, demonstrating remarkable performance and resilience throughout the season. The 31-year-old southpaw achieved career-best figures, pitching 188.2 innings with a 3.20 ERA. Initially starting with the St. Louis Cardinals, Montgomery maintained a solid 3.42 ERA in his first 21 starts before being traded to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline.
Amidst a challenging postseason race, Montgomery showcased his capabilities, recording a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts for the Rangers, aiding them in securing the second AL wild card spot despite multiple rotation injuries. His excellence persisted in the postseason, notably contributing to the Rangers’ success with a 2.90 ERA over 31 innings, including a remarkable 1.29 ERA in 14 innings against the Houston Astros in the ALCS.
Expected to command a lucrative long-term contract in the free agent market due to his consistency, durability, and postseason performance, Montgomery surprised analysts by finalizing a one-year deal worth $25 million with the Arizona Diamondbacks, featuring a vesting player option for 2025.
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With established pitchers like Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly already bolstering the Diamondbacks’ rotation and the anticipated return of Eduardo Rodriguez from injury, the team is poised to have one of the strongest starting rotations in baseball.
The unexpected nature of Montgomery’s contract, coupled with the Diamondbacks’ historically restrained spending, prompts inquiry into the factors leading to this agreement.
