According to sources, southpaw Jordan Montgomery has reached an agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a lucrative one-year contract worth $25 million. The deal also features a vesting player option for a potential second season, aiming to fortify the rotation of the National League champions with a postseason standout hailing from the squad that triumphed over them in the World Series.
The contract, pending a successful physical examination, concludes Montgomery’s stint in free agency just two days prior to Opening Day. Notably, the agreement includes provisions for a second-year player option, contingent upon Montgomery’s performance. Sources indicate that this option could amount to $20 million if Montgomery completes 10 starts, $22.5 million with 18 starts, and $25 million if he starts 23 games.
Initially eyeing a lucrative nine-figure contract, the 31-year-old Montgomery ultimately settled for a fraction of that sum. This comes as a timely boost for the team, especially after their marquee offseason acquisition, Eduardo Rodriguez, landed on the injured list this week due to a lat strain. Montgomery is set to join a rotation boasting top talents like Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, alongside the promising 25-year-old Brandon Pfaadt.
Montgomery’s market value was expected to soar following an exceptional season, during which he achieved a career-best 3.20 ERA across 188.2 innings. Notably, he concluded the season with a remarkable stretch, pitching 67.2 innings for the Texas Rangers after a mid-season trade from St. Louis. His excellence continued into the postseason, where he delivered seven scoreless innings in the AL Wild Card against Tampa Bay, followed by another 14 impressive innings in the ALCS.
Montgomery may not be ready to begin the season immediately, but he should be a key presence in Arizona’s rotation within a few weeks.
