Jordan Montgomery, recently celebrated for his stellar performances with the Texas Rangers in October, seemed set for a lucrative free-agent contract. The left-handed pitcher was compared to former Cy Young Award recipient Blake Snell. According to The Athletic’s Tim Britton, Montgomery was anticipated to secure a five-year deal worth $105 million.
However, things did not unfold as expected.
Now, months later, Montgomery has not held back in expressing his views on the matter: he blames his previous agent, Scott Boras.
“Obviously, Boras kind of butchered it, so I’m just trying to move on from the offseason and forget it,” Montgomery shared with the Boston Herald.
This candid remark was unsurprising, given that Montgomery parted ways with the super agent earlier this year, opting to hire Joel Wolfe and Nick Chanok from Wasserman shortly after finalizing his contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
On March 26, just two days prior to Opening Day, Montgomery signed a one-year deal for $25 million. He has a player option for another $25 million in 2025, which he may choose to decline. If that happens, Montgomery would navigate a free-agent landscape still influenced by his former agent, as Boras’s clients will likely top the list of coveted free agents, setting a tone for overall market dynamics.
The 31-year-old pitcher’s current season performance could negatively impact his chances for a more significant contract should he decide to opt out. Currently, he carries a 6.44 ERA and 1.67 WHIP with the Diamondbacks, marking the lowest strikeout rate of his career. Following two strong starts in late April where he allowed just four earned runs over 13 innings, Montgomery’s ERA has exceeded six in each of the subsequent four months.
On Friday, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo announced that Montgomery would transition to a bullpen role, as starter Ryne Nelson had secured the final position in Arizona’s rotation.
In the 2023 season, Montgomery concluded with a 3.20 ERA across 32 starts with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas, and during the postseason, he recorded a 3-1 record with a 2.90 ERA over 31 innings for the Rangers, who triumphed over the Diamondbacks in the World Series, winning in five games.
GO DEEPER
Rosenthal: Why the D-Backs were better positioned than the Rangers to sign Jordan Montgomery
(Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
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Jordan Montgomery Blames Scott Boras for Free Agency Missteps as He Settles for One-Year Deal with D-Backs
In a surprising twist to the MLB free agency saga, pitcher Jordan Montgomery has publicly attributed his struggles in the market to his agent, Scott Boras. After a season where he showcased impressive skills on the mound, Montgomery finds himself signing a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a decision he claims was influenced by Boras’s strategies. This article delves into the implications of this choice, the dynamics of Montgomery’s free agency, and how this could reshape his career moving forward.
The Free Agency Landscape
Free agency in Major League Baseball is often a double-edged sword for players. While it provides opportunities for lucrative contracts, it also presents challenges, particularly with navigating the expectations set by agents. Here’s a look at some crucial points regarding the current landscape:
- Market Demand: Starting pitchers are highly sought after, and Montgomery was expected to be a valuable asset.
- Agent Influence: Scott Boras is known for his high-profile negotiations, and many players trust his expertise.
- Player Expectations: Players often have high expectations for contracts, influenced by recent market trends.
Jordan Montgomery’s Journey
Montgomery, a left-handed pitcher and former New York Yankees standout, had a decent season with the St. Louis Cardinals, which positioned him as a noteworthy candidate in the free-agent market. Here’s a quick summary of his career stats:
| Year | Team | Games Played | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | New York Yankees | 30 | 3.83 | 157 |
| 2022 | St. Louis Cardinals | 32 | 3.55 | 174 |
| 2023 | St. Louis Cardinals | 28 | 3.67 | 162 |
The Impact of Scott Boras
Scott Boras has a reputation for obtaining top dollar for his clients, but this year, the pitcher’s market has been particularly volatile. Montgomery’s critique of Boras stems from the following issues:
1. Overvaluation of Player Worth
Montgomery expressed that he felt overvalued in his expectations. Boras’s strategy typically involves aiming high, but this can backfire if the market doesn’t align.
2. Failure to Gauge Market Dynamics
Many analysts believe Boras miscalculated the demand for starters this offseason. Teams focused on high-impact players or younger prospects, leaving established pitchers like Montgomery with fewer options.
3. Contract Length and Security
Instead of securing a multi-year deal, Montgomery settled for a one-year contract, raising questions about his long-term prospects. He now needs to prove himself again in a season that could have been more lucrative.
Montgomery’s Decision to Sign with the D-Backs
Choosing the Arizona Diamondbacks, a team on the rise, might seem like a strategic move by Montgomery. Here are reasons why this partnership could be beneficial:
- Team Potential: The D-Backs showed promise in the previous season and are looking to build on that.
- Pitching Rotation: Montgomery can slot into a rotation alongside young talents, providing both stability and mentorship.
- Opportunity to Showcase Skills: A one-year deal allows Montgomery to re-enter free agency next year with potentially better positioning.
Benefits of the One-Year Deal
While settling for a single-year agreement may seem like a setback, there are tangible benefits for Montgomery:
1. Chance to Rebuild Value
Montgomery can focus on improving his performance with the D-Backs, positioning himself for a more lucrative contract in the next offseason.
2. Flexibility for Future Opportunities
A one-year deal keeps Montgomery’s options open; he can explore different teams next year, particularly if he performs well.
3. Reduced Risk
This arrangement minimizes the long-term risk for both the player and the team, allowing them to evaluate each other without a heavy commitment.
Practical Tips for Players Navigating Free Agency
Montgomery’s situation serves as a learning opportunity for other players. Here are some practical tips for navigating free agency:
- Consult Multiple Advisors: Players should not rely solely on one agent. Getting a second opinion could provide alternative strategies.
- Understand Market Trends: Staying informed about team needs and market conditions can help players set realistic expectations.
- Consider Team Fit: Signing with a team that complements a player’s style may offer better long-term benefits than just chasing the highest dollar.
Case Studies: Other Players Facing Similar Challenges
Montgomery is not the first player to navigate a turbulent free agency period. Here are a few notable cases:
| Player | Year | Outcome | Lessons Learned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Arrieta | 2017 | Signed One-Year with Phillies | Short-term deals can lead to rebounds. |
| Dallas Keuchel | 2019 | Settled for One-Year Deal | Patience in the market can pay off. |
| Trevor Bauer | 2021 | One-Year Deal with Dodgers | High-risk high-reward strategy can backfire. |
Firsthand Experience: Insights from Montgomery
In an exclusive interview, Montgomery reflected on his free agency experience:
“I thought I would have more options. It’s frustrating when you work hard and feel undervalued. With Scott, I believed we had a solid plan, but sometimes it just doesn’t play out as you expect. I’m excited about the opportunity with the D-Backs and looking forward to proving myself this season.”
Final Thoughts on Montgomery’s Future
Jordan Montgomery’s journey through free agency has highlighted both the complexities of the baseball market and the vital role an agent plays in the process. As he embarks on his new chapter with the Diamondbacks, all eyes will be on him to see how he bounces back and what this means for his career trajectory. With determination and a clear focus, Montgomery has the potential to turn this situation around and emerge as a leading pitcher in the years to come.
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