Jordan Montgomery has officially turned his postseason heroics into a big payday, as he signs with the Arizona Diamondbacks. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the two sides have agreed to a free-agent deal, pending a physical. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic further reported that the deal is for one year and $25 million, and contains a vesting player option for the same amount for next season.
Between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, Montgomery started 32 games last year with a 3.20 ERA in 188 2/3 innings. His 138 ERA+ indicates he was almost 40 percent better than the league average.
While his strikeout rate (21.4 percent) was below average in 2023, Montgomery thrived by inducing weak contact and missing bats (he was in the 65th percentile in both Average Exit Velocity and Whiff percentage). Montgomery’s walk rate (6.2 percent) also ranked in the 82nd percentile.
At this point, Montgomery profiles as a durable lefty who doesn’t throw too hard (his 4-seam fastball and sinker both averaged 93.3 mph in 2023) but can miss bats, get soft contact, and limit walks. This type of pitcher tends to age well into their 30s. With a new contract, the D-Backs will certainly hope he stays productive.
Jordan Montgomery Signs With The Diamondbacks
Adding Montgomery will solidify an Arizona rotation that already features the talents of Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Brandon Pfaadt, among others. Montgomery provides a quality veteran presence based on performance and has proven the ability to thrive in big markets and big moments. He might not be the biggest star in baseball, but he has shown that there is no moment or situation too big for him.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy relied heavily on Montgomery during the team’s October World Series run. Montgomery tossed 31 innings across six appearances (five starts) with a 2.90 ERA, 17 strikeouts, and five walks. He now gets to spend at least a year on the other side of last year’s World Series matchup.
Career Summary
Montgomery became one of the better pitchers in baseball for the past season and a half after producing average numbers with the New York Yankees. In parts of six seasons with the Bombers, the lefty tossed 502 2/3 innings with a 3.94 ERA (109 ERA+).
However, he immediately blossomed after joining the Cardinals at the 2022 trade deadline. Aided by an increased usage of his fastball, Montgomery tossed 63 2/3 innings innings with a 3.11 ERA down the stretch for a Cardinals team that eventually won the National League Central. While the team floundered in 2023, Montgomery continued his great production, which led to another mid-season trade.
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