After months of anticipation and several rumors, free agent pitcher and 2023 World Series winner Jordan Montgomery has signed.
But not for the Boston Red Sox.
Montgomery has signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, with a vesting option for a second year at the same amount (which increases depending on starts made), according to Jeff Passan.
Montgomery did not receive the long-term contract he had been seeking all winter, as did many of the other Scott Boras clients in the free agent pool this offseason. Rumors circulated that Montgomery had asked for the same deal that Aaron Nola signed with the Phillies for seven years and $172 million.
Montgomery believed he would be able to earn such a deal following his 2023 performance. The pitcher played for both the Cardinals and the Rangers last season, winning his first World Series with the latter. He pitched particularly effectively in the playoffs and was a key factor in Texas’ postseason triumph. Montgomery has a career 3.68 ERA, but in 11 games with the Rangers, he posted a career-low 2.79 ERA.
The Diamondbacks have added a dependable and reliable starter to their rotation in Montgomery, who has started at least 30 games in the last three seasons. The Red Sox could use a starter with Montgomery’s track record, as injuries are common among Boston’s pitching staff. Already, this season appears to be no different.
Boston could have benefited from Montgomery’s left-handedness. The Red Sox only have one lefty on their Opening Day roster, Joely Rodríguez, and their starting rotation lacks diversity and experience.
Throughout the offseason, MLB sources and reporters suggested that Boston was one of the best fits for Montgomery. He was looking for a long-term contract, and the Red Sox don’t have any proven, seasoned starters tied up. Montgomery is both a lefty and a durable pitcher, which Boston needs.
However, after months of rumors and “interest” from the front office, Red Sox supporters concluded that Montgomery was unlikely to sign in Boston. After Lucas Giolito’s season-ending injury, signing Montgomery seemed nearly useless — the Red Sox would have needed Giolito to regain his 2019 form and Montgomery to improve the pitching staff from last year.
Furthermore, despite all odds, Red Sox pitchers had the lowest ERA of any American League team during spring training. The team demonstrated to the front office that it does not need to spend a lot of money to have competent pitching. However, things may change once the games begin to count, which is likely given the Red Sox’s recent struggles with their rotation.
The Red Sox were undoubtedly the greatest fit for Montgomery when he was looking for a long-term contract, but his price was clearly difficult to justify for someone who had never been a top-tier starter before. Boston fans can rest easy knowing that none of the other 29 clubs are willing to pay Montgomery’s full price.