Jordan Montgomery agrees deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks
The 31-year-old ace pitcher, who won the World Series with the Texas Rangers last season, has agreed a one-year deal to pitch for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Just two days before the second instalment of 2024′s MLB Opening Day, the Texas Rangers may have seen their chances of repeating slip through their fingers. In a huge blow to their bullpen, one of the best free agents on the market has chosen not to return to Arlington. Nobody can claim to have been more instrumental in bringing the Rangers their first ever title than Jordan Montgomery, and he has reportedly decided to sign a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Monty will get $25 million to wear the D-Backs jersey this year. In addition, he has an option for the 2025 season, for the same amount of money, if he makes at least ten starts this year. His 2025 salary would be $22.5 million with 18 starts and $25 million with 23 starts.
The southpaw ace split last season with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers, making 11 starts with Texas, notching up 67.2 innings of work and an ERA of 2.79. Monty’s career has been outstanding post-Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in 2019 after starting just two games with the Yankees.
Montgomery started Game 2 of the World Series between the Rangers and the D-Backs, throwing six full innings, surrendering four runs and failing to strike out any of the 26 batters he faced.
The Diamondbacks’ starting rotation
The D-Backs have a defined pitching rotation at the top two spots thanks to the big arms of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Behind them, Eduardo Rodríguez was scheduled to be the third pitcher in the rotation, but a lateral muscle injury has opened the spot up for Montgomery to fill. Prior to the acquisition of Montgomery, manager Torey Lovullo contemplated the following order: Gallen, Kelly, Tommy Henry, Brandon Pfaady and Ryne Nelson.