In the hours leading up to MLB Opening Day, the Arizona Diamondbacks made a splash. Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that the reigning National League champions were signing Jordan Montgomery to a one-year, $25 million contract with a vesting option for 2025.
BREAKING: Left-handed starter Jordan Montgomery and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a free agent deal, pending physical, a source tells ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 27, 2024
The 2025 option would pay Montgomery $22.5 million if he makes at least 18 starts in 2024. If he gets to 23 starts, his 2025 salary jumps to $25 million.
Montgomery Provides Diamondbacks With Immediate Help
After passing the physical, Montgomery’s signing was made official on March 29. The left-hander will certainly add stability to the Arizona rotation. With Eduardo Rodriguez currently sidelined, having a veteran will only complement ace Zac Gallen and the Diamondbacks’ underrated No. 2 starter, Merrill Kelly. After missing all of Spring Training, Montgomery will build up his arm and get into game shape at Triple-A. His estimated arrival date to the big-league club is April 19.
Torey Lovullo said Jordan Montgomery threw 50 pitches with three up-downs at Salt River Fields today.
Weather prevented a full sim game, but Lovullo said Montgomery told him he was encouraged by the results.
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) April 1, 2024
Competition in the Current Rotation
Along with Gallen and Kelly, Tommy Henry, Ryne Nelson, and Brandon Pfaadt round out the starting rotation. How they perform the first couple of times through the rotation will help to determine their fate when Rodriguez and Montgomery join the team.
Montgomery Joins the Team He Beat
Montgomery has signed with the same team he beat in the World Series as a member of the Texas Rangers last year. He came to the Rangers from the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline. Montgomery was one of many key contributors that helped the Rangers earn their first World Series trophy. He won four games with a 2.67 ERA in the regular season for Texas.
Montgomery continued his excellence in the postseason by tossing seven shutout innings in the Wild Card round and then delivering 14 dazzling innings in the American League Championship Series. His only postseason stumble was allowing four runs in six innings in a Game 2 loss to the Diamondbacks in the World Series.
Diamondbacks Busy Offseason
Montgomery is the latest acquisition in a busy winter for the Diamondbacks. They are going all in, and their payroll is a franchise-record $175 million. In addition to Montgomery and Rodriguez, they signed outfielders Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson to add more playoff experience. They also traded for third baseman Eugenio Suarez and re-signed left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
Diamondbacks are Perfect Spot for Montgomery
Arizona could be the best spot for Montgomery. Manager Torey Lovullo, an open communicator with all of his players, and pitching coach Brent Strom will ensure he continues his effective pitching. If he can help them in October the same way he aided the Rangers last season, look for the Diamondbacks to be in a top playoff spot when the 2024 campaign ends.
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