Jordan Montgomery is set to begin the second year of his two-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, despite the team’s owner expressing frustration over the deal this offseason. Montgomery wisely exercised his player option to remain with the team.
Montgomery is set to earn $22.5 million in 2025 after a challenging 2024 season, where he posted an 8-7 record with a 6.23 ERA across 25 appearances (21 starts). He signed late in spring training as part of the “Boras Four,” a group of Scott Boras-represented players who struggled to secure contracts in free agency before that season.
The Diamondbacks still seem open to trading Montgomery, and the Texas Rangers—who could use their 2023 World Series hero—have a clear need in their rotation. The question remains: Will a deal come together?
According to The Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro, at least one team has shown enough interest in Montgomery for the Diamondbacks to set an asking price. As part of a potential trade, Arizona is requesting that the acquiring team take on at least $13 million of his remaining salary.
The report did not specify what Arizona is seeking in return for Montgomery. His trade value has dropped since his postseason heroics with the Rangers, and with free agency looming after this season, the Diamondbacks may settle for a prospect or two while prioritizing shedding part of his salary.
Texas clearly has a need, with Jon Gray and Cody Bradford set to start the season on the injured list. The Rangers recently signed Patrick Corbin, who pitched a simulated game Monday at Globe Life Field. The veteran left-hander is primarily there to eat innings, though he previously led either the National League or all of MLB in losses for three consecutive seasons from 2021 to 2023.
Maybe a return to Texas is exactly what Montgomery needs. After the Rangers acquired him at the 2023 trade deadline, he excelled, posting a 4-2 record with a 2.79 ERA over 11 starts. He took his game to another level in the postseason, going 3-1 in six appearances (five starts). His clutch relief outing in Game 7 of the ALCS remains a memorable moment for Rangers fans.
A return to Texas would also reunite Montgomery with pitching coach Mike Maddux, who played a key role in his development after the Yankees traded him to the Cardinals in 2022.
Texas ownership has emphasized staying under the first luxury tax threshold, at least to begin the season. According to Spotrac, the Rangers are projected to remain well below the $241 million threshold, meaning a trade for Montgomery—while absorbing some of his salary—would still align with their financial strategy.
The Rangers should consider this opportunity if they aren’t already. With Arizona eager to move Montgomery’s contract, Texas likely wouldn’t have to part with top prospects in a deal. They also have the financial flexibility to absorb the portion of his salary the Diamondbacks are looking to shed. Given their rotation concerns, Montgomery could be a valuable addition.
