The Arizona Diamondbacks made headlines with their reported one-year, $25 million deal with starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery. This move was met with surprise from MLB writers and analysts, who were stunned by the reported parameters of the deal. Montgomery had a strong 3.20 ERA last season with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, helping the Rangers win the 2023 World Series. He will now join a formidable DBacks rotation alongside Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt.
ESPN’s Buster Olney commented on the deal, calling it an incredible pickup for the Diamondbacks. He noted that the dollar figures of the deal were unexpected, especially considering Montgomery’s representation by Scott Boras. The Athletic’s Levi Weaver also highlighted the bargain aspect of the deal for the Diamondbacks, considering Montgomery’s AAV and the vesting options included. The addition of Montgomery to the team’s rotation has been recognized as a smart move by many in the baseball community.
Fansided writer Christopher Kline praised the Diamondbacks for capitalizing on the weak market and keeping pace with the NL West arms race by acquiring Montgomery. MLB Trade Rumors writer Nick Deeds noted that the addition of Montgomery strengthens the Diamondbacks’ rotation significantly, especially after the signing of Eduardo Rodriguez in December. This move addresses one of the team’s biggest weaknesses from the previous season and sets them up for success in the upcoming 2024 season.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Diamondbacks could surprise the NL with Montgomery on their roster, especially with his data-driven approach aligning with the team’s pitching staff. Analysts on MLB Network also reacted positively to the news, emphasizing the impact Montgomery could have on the team’s performance. Overall, the consensus is that the Diamondbacks made a smart move in acquiring Montgomery and strengthening their rotation. With a solid pitching staff in place, the team could be a contender in the NL pennant race.
The reaction to the Diamondbacks’ deal with Jordan Montgomery has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the team for addressing a key need and bolstering their pitching rotation. The unexpected nature of the deal and the relatively low-risk investment in Montgomery have impressed baseball insiders and fans alike. As the 2024 season approaches, the Diamondbacks will look to capitalize on their improved pitching staff and make a strong push in the NL West division.
