D-backs owner takes blame for ‘horrible’ Jordan Montgomery deal

Field Level Media|published: Tue 1st October, 15:57 2024

MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies

Sep 17, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (52) leaves the mound in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

It's safe to say the Arizona Diamondbacks and left-handed starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery aren't in for a reunion in 2025.

One day after Arizona was eliminated from playoff contention when the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves secured the final two wild cards, Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick said in a radio appearance that he made a "horrible decision" to pursue Montgomery last spring.

"Let me say it the best way I can say it: If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you're talking to the guy that should be blamed because I brought it to their attention," Kendrick said on "Burns & Gambo."

"I pushed for it. They agreed to it. It wasn't in our game plan when he was signed right at the end of spring training, and looking back in hindsight, (it was) a horrible decision to have invested that money in a guy that performed as poorly as he did. It's our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint, and I'm the perpetrator of that."

Montgomery, like fellow National League West pitcher Blake Snell, was represented by Scott Boras and remained unsigned past the start of spring training. At the end of March, the Diamondbacks signed him to a one-year, $25 million deal with a player option for 2025.

The 31-year-old had a tough season, going 8-7 with a 6.23 ERA across 25 games (21 starts). He struck out just 83 batters while walking 44 in 117 innings. He also earned his first career save in September.

Montgomery has since fired Boras as his agent. He has the choice to still pick up his option with Arizona despite Kendrick's public criticism.

A longtime member of the New York Yankees, Montgomery split the 2023 season between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers and pitched to a 3.20 ERA. He made five starts and one relief appearance for Texas in the playoffs on its run to the World Series title.

Since making the big leagues in 2017, he has career marks of 46-41 with a 4.03 ERA in 166 games (161 starts).

--Field Level Media

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