"Scott Boras kind of butchered it" - Diamondbacks' Jordan Montgomery takes swipe at former agent for failed Red Sox move in free agency
Veteran pitcher Jordan Montgomery has struggled from the mound after signing for the Arizona Diamondbacks in free agency. Montgomery blamed his former agent, Scott Boras, for how his free agency turned out.
Montgomery was expected to command a strong fee in the offseason after standout contributions to the Texas Rangers' World Series winning campaign, especially in the postseason, last year.
However, the veteran hurler's free agency dragged into spring training to the surprise of many and Montgomery eventually signed for the Diamondbacks on a one-year, $25 million deep into spring training. The 2023 World Series winner, who is in Boston for the Snakes' series against the home club, shared how close he was to joining the Red Sox (via Boston Herald):
“I had a Zoom call with [the Red Sox], that’s really all I know. It went good,” Montgomery said. “I don’t know, obviously Boras kind of butchered it, so I’m just trying to move on from the offseason and try to forget it.”
While it's uncertain how Jordan Montgomery would've faired in Boston, a deal in the early offseason may have helped him prepare better for the 2024 season. He was seemingly upset with his lengthy free agency as he parted ways with Boras after signing with the Diamondbacks.
Montgomery has a vesting option of $22.5 million in his deal that rises to $25 million if he makes 23 starts (four more this season).
Jordan Montgomery moved to bullpen after struggles continue
As Montgomery struggles with his starts, Diamondbacks manager Torey Luvullo decided to move the veteran hurler to the bullpen on Friday. Ryne Nelson was subsequently named the starter for the series opener against the Red Sox:
"[Nelson has] been one of the best pitchers since July 1 in all of baseball, not just the National League," Lovullo said Friday. "I didn't want to run away from that."
Lovullo's decision paid dividends on the night as the Diamondbacks dominated the hosts for a 12-2 win at Fenway Park. Nelson was an assured presence from the mound, allowing two runs over five hits after going six innings deep and striking out seven.
The Red Sox and Diamondbacks will meet again in the second game of the three-game series on Saturday.