"I don't think he screwed it up" - MLB analyst gives verdict on Jordan Montgomery allegations against Scott Boras
Last offseason, Jordan Montgomery didn't get the lengthy contract he expected, and he blamed his former agent, Scott Boras. After helping the Texas Rangers win their first World Series, Montgomery was one of the most sought-after free agents.
However, things didn't go as expected. Montgomery still had no deal as the start of the season closed in, so the pitcher had to settle for a one-year, $25 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, with a player option for 2025.
This led the D-backs pitcher to take aim at Boras for "butchering" his free agency. He even mentioned a call with the Boston Red Sox, which never materialized.
On Monday, former MLB catcher and host of Foul Territory, Erik Kratz, gave his two cents on the entire situation.
"You also have to understand that, for Monte's side, you have Boras as your agent. And we've had countless people in here that said that teams don't want to offer Boras until the last minute because then he takes their offer and shops it around. I think teams are trying to fight against Boras," Kratz said.
Kratz thinks it's "unfair" that teams did not go after Montgomery, who helped his team win a World Series, because they did not want to go up against Boras.
Ultimately, Kratz believes that Jordan Montgomery shouldn't be blaming Scott Boras for how free agency went.
"So, I think when you are signed on with Boras, you're looking for the top dollar. Teams know that. Boras knows that. And you know that. This is how the landscape is. So, did he screw it up? I don't think he screwed it up. I think you were in that bed there. You made your bed. You were like, 'I'm going with Boras. He's going to get me the top dollar.' It didn't work out," Kratz said.
Scott Boras responds to Jordan Montgomery's "butchered" comments
While Jordan Montgomery might have felt wronged, Boras took the high road and said he understood what the pitcher was going through. However, in his defense, he also added that he didn't do any wrong and brought every offer he received to him.
“I saw what Jordan said. I know what it is to be frustrated with this game. As a former player, I feel for him,” Boras said per the Boston Herald. "I’m also a lawyer with obligations to my clients, including former ones. So I cannot discuss what happened or the decisions Jordan made unless he permits me.
"I relay all offers and relevant information to all my clients and act at their direction. They make all the decisions. We wish Jordan well."
Jordan Montgomery has a player option on his Diamondbacks deal but there's a good chance he may want to enter free agency again. However, he may not be a sought-after player given the disastrous season he's having. Montgomery is 8-6, posting a dismal 6.44 ERA after 19 starts.