The reigning National League champions just made the final splash of the 2024 offseason, signing pitcher Jordan Montgomery, according to ESPN‘s Jeff Passan.
Montgomery is the last big free agent to sign—just two days before the season starts—after an offseason marred by big names pushing their free agency well into February and March. Cody Bellinger, Blake Snell, Matt Chapman, and J.D. Martinez all signed after pitchers and catchers reported. Like those names, Montgomery is represented by Scott Boras and signed a lower-than-expected deal.
According to Jon Heyman, Montgomery will earn $25 million in 2024 with a vesting option for 2025. Mark Feinsand says that $20 million option vests if he makes 10 starts, but Montgomery can opt out if he hits that number. He was at the start of the offseason expected to earn nine figures. The Mets and Yankees were both recently tied to the lefty.
Montgomery, 31, was a postseason start with the Texas Rangers, who he helped lead to a World Series title. He allowed just 10 runs in 31 innings (2.90 ERA). But teams seemed to be worried about which Montgomery they’d get—the solid No. 2/3 starter, or the ace who pitched to a 2.88 ERA after the last two trade deadlines.
Now, he’ll join the team he faced in the World Series—and a rotation with an ace. The Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen finished third in Cy Young voting last year and started the All-Star game. They also signed Eduardo Rodriguez. Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt back them up. Montgomery nicely rounds out the rotation, which faces the Dodgers, Padres and Giants 50ish times a year. The D’Backs are a real threat in the NL.
