Jordan Montgomery Free Agency Update: Arizona Diamondbacks see off stiff competition to sign World Series winner on a one-year, $25 million deal
Jordan Montgomery's prolonged free agency saga finally comes to a halt after Arizona Diamondbacks reportedly agree a one-year deal for the World Series winner.
Several teams were listed as the potential suitors for the veteran ace in the past few weeks following Blake Snell's move to the San Francisco Giants. However, it's last year's World Series runner-ups who surprised a few by agreeing to a $25 million deal with Montgomery.
ESPN's Jeff Passan was the first to report Montgomery's deal with the Diamondbacks, pending a physical.
The former Texas Rangers pitcher will earn $25 million in his first year, with a vesting option for a second year with the Diamondbacks for another $25 million.
"Free-agent left-hander Jordan Montgomery in agreement with Diamondbacks, pending physical. Deal will pay him $25M this season, includes vesting player option for second year."
The 31-year-old's one-year deal with the NL West side came as a surprise with teams like the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees also linked with a move for Montgomery.
Initial rumors also linked a reunion with the Texas Rangers, who benefited from Montgomery's postseason run last year to clinch their first World Series title.
Diamondbacks move for Jordan Montgomery following Eduardo Rodriguez's slated IL start
Diamondbacks pursuit of the veteran free agent reportedly picked up in the last few days in the aftermath of starter Eduardo Rodriguez's injury concern.
The former Red Sox pitcher, who signed a $80 million contract with the Diamondbacks in December last year, is slated to start the season on the injured list after suffering a lat strain.
“He's going to be shut down from throwing until he's asymptomatic,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. “I know you guys want to know lengths of time, all the common questions that I want to know, but we don't know.
Jordan Montgomery's latest Diamondbacks move two days before Opening Day further highlights the stiff competition in the NL East with the Padres landing Dylan Cease and the Giants roping in Matt Chapman and Blake Snell in the offseason.