Jordan Montgomery had an impressive season with the Texas Rangers in 2023, helping them win their first-ever World Series title. Despite his success, he ended up signing a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks after entering free agency. Montgomery also decided to part ways with his agent, Scott Boras, and signed with Joel Wolfe and Nick Chanock of Wasserman. His performance in the postseason championship run with the Rangers boosted his value in the free agency market, but he settled for a shorter contract with the Diamondbacks.
Boras commented on the challenges that players and agents faced in the offseason leading up to the 2024 season, noting a shift in the competitiveness and aggressiveness of baseball team owners. Some of Boras’ other clients, like J.D. Martinez and Blake Snell, also signed shorter-term deals during the tumultuous offseason. Montgomery’s $25 million salary for one season with the Diamondbacks is still sizeable considering his performance before joining the Rangers was not particularly dominant. Despite this, he managed to secure a significant contract for the upcoming season.
Looking ahead to the next offseason, Boras has clients like Juan Soto and Pete Alonso who could potentially sign lucrative contracts. Alonso’s power hitting ability and Soto’s potential as the AL MVP could lead to substantial deals similar to Shohei Ohtani’s massive contract signed in the previous offseason. Montgomery is set to make his debut with the Diamondbacks, facing the team he defeated in the World Series, later in the month. The left-hander’s experience and success with the Rangers have positioned him well for his next chapter in Arizona.
Overall, Montgomery’s career trajectory has been marked by highs and uncertainties, from his successful season with the Rangers to the unexpected trade to the Diamondbacks. Despite facing challenges in the offseason, including changing agents and navigating a shifting market, he remains focused on delivering strong performances on the field. With the support of his new agency and the potential for future success, Montgomery is poised to continue making an impact in Major League Baseball. His upcoming debut with the Diamondbacks will be a key moment as he embarks on a new chapter in his baseball career.
