Diamondbacks’ Drama: Jordan Montgomery Exercises Player Option
In a move that surprised few, Jordan Montgomery has opted to exercise his $22.5MM player option with the Arizona Diamondbacks, as reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. This decision comes as no shock, given Montgomery’s status as a top trade candidate this winter.
A Brief History of Montgomery’s Career
Montgomery pitched for the Rangers in 2023, after being traded from the Cardinals. During his time with the Rangers, he posted an impressive 2.79 ERA over 60 innings, including five postseason appearances and a World Series championship. This success led to him becoming one of the top free agent starting pitchers in an admittedly weak class.
The Curious Case of Montgomery’s Contract
Represented by Scott Boras, Montgomery was expected to secure a lucrative deal. However, he didn’t sign until two days before Opening Day, ultimately agreeing to a 1-year, $25M contract with the Diamondbacks. The contract included a vesting option for 2025, which would provide an additional year at $22.5M if he made at least 10 starts in 2024. While this may seem like a reasonable deal, it’s actually one of the worst vesting options in professional sports history.
Disaster Strikes in 2024
Montgomery’s 2024 season was nothing short of catastrophic. He missed all of spring training, started the season in AAA, and eventually made 21 starts with a dismal 6.23 ERA. This poor performance was particularly galling, given the Diamondbacks’ narrow miss of the playoffs.
Owner Ken Kendrick Takes Responsibility
Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick publicly acknowledged his role in signing Montgomery, stating, “If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you’re talking to the guy that should be blamed.” Kendrick’s comments were seen by many as an attempt to alienate Montgomery and persuade him to opt out of his contract. However, Montgomery remained unfazed, opting to exercise his player option despite Kendrick’s criticism.
A Rare Breed of Owner
Kendrick’s actions are a stark contrast to those of other owners who prioritize their team’s success over personal agendas. Teams like the Dodgers, Phillies, and Padres are led by ownership groups that genuinely care about their fans and the game. In a world where many owners are driven by profit, it’s refreshing to see those who put their team’s interests first.
The Bottom Line
Montgomery’s decision to exercise his player option is a testament to his commitment to playing baseball, despite the criticism from Kendrick. As the offseason unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the Diamondbacks approach their roster, and whether they’ll be able to overcome their mistakes from the previous season.
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