Boston Red Sox

Red Sox rumored target Jordan Montgomery reportedly signs with Diamondbacks

Jordan Montgomery posted a a 3.20 ERA and logged 188.2 innings of work last season.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery throws to an Arizona Diamondbacks batter during the first inning in Game 2 of the baseball World Series, Oct. 28, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. The Diamondbacks have agreed with Montgomery on a $25 million, one-year deal with a vesting option for 2025, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday, March 26, because Montgomery still has to pass a physical.
Jordan Montgomery would have given Boston a top starter (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, File)

By Conor Ryan

1 minute to read

With the start of the 2024 MLB season just days away, Red Sox fans can officially stop dreaming about Jordan Montgomery in a Boston jersey.

The southpaw starter, who has been linked to the Red Sox throughout this offseason, is reportedly signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Montgomery’s deal with Arizona is a one-year, $25 million contract that includes a $25 million vesting option for a second year. 

Considering Boston’s pitching woes in 2023, Montgomery has long been tabbed as an appealing target for the Red Sox this winter. The 31-year-old Montgomery went 10-11 last season split between the Cardinals and Rangers, posting a 3.20 ERA and logging 188.2 innings of work.

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He was a key pick-up for Texas down the stretch during the franchise’s run to its first World Series title, posting a 2.79 ERA over 67.2 innings.

Even though Montgomery may not be viewed as an established, No. 1 ace, he would have instantly established himself as the best starter on Boston’s rotation — which took a hit earlier this month after free-agent pickup Lucas Giolito was ruled out for the year due to UCL surgery. 

Montgomery, who was reportedly living in Boston this offseason and working out at Boston College, took part in a Zoom call with the Red Sox’ top brass near the start of spring training, according to Alex Cora. 

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But that initial Zoom didn’t lead to Montgomery and the Red Sox striking a deal, with Boston also missing out on other top-line, free-agent starters this winter such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Sonny Gray, and Shōta Imanaga.

The Red Sox are currently set to open the 2024 season with a starting rotation of Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck, and Garrett Whitlock.

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Conor Ryan

Sports Writer

 

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.

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