*Photo from Lone Star Ball*
The best free agent available is no longer on the market. LHP Jordan Montgomery and the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a one year, $25 million contract, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The deal has not been confirmed.
The contract has both an opt out and a vesting option for 2025. Montgomery can opt out after 2024 if he makes at least 10 starts. If he makes 10 starts, the option is worth $20 million. It becomes a $22.5 million vesting option if he makes at least 18 starts, and it jumps to $25 million if he makes at least 23 starts.
Montgomery has agreed to start the season in the minor leagues with the D-Backs to give him time to ramp up his arm before pitching in a major league game. He won't be on the D-Backs opening day roster as a result, therefore making him ineligible to receive a qualifying offer in the offseason.
Last season, Montgomery pitched for both the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. He combined to post a 3.20 ERA, 1.193 WHIP, and 3.56 FIP, throwing 188 2/3 innings over 32 starts. He allowed 10 runs in 31 innings across 6 appearances in the playoffs, 5 of which were starts.
The signing of Montgomery comes as Eduardo Rodriguez will start the season on the IL due to a lat injury. At full strength, the D-Backs rotation projects to have Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Montgomery, Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt making starts.
Montgomery has pitched for the Rangers, Cardinals, and New York Yankees in 7 seasons, debuting in 2017. He has a 3.68 ERA, 3.75 FIP, and 1.209 WHIP to his name, throwing one complete game shutout over his 140 starts and one relief appearance, totaling 755 innings. He also has a 2.63 ERA and 1.407 WHIP in 37 2/3 innings in the playoffs, making 6 starts and two relief appearances.
Arizona has had a busy offseason after making the World Series last season. They re-signed Lourdes Gurriel Jr and brought in Rodriguez in addition to bringing in Joc Pederson, Randal Grichuk, and Eugenio Suarez in free agency and a trade.
Comments
Post a Comment