MLB Rumors: Trade Landing Spots For Jordan Montgomery

According to Nick Deeds of MLB Trade Rumors, Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Jordan Montgomery has emerged as a potential trade candidate following a brutal 2024 season where he posted a 6.23 ERA across 117 innings. 

Arizona’s recent signing of Corbin Burnes has created a surplus in their rotation, which already includes Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Ryne Nelson. 

With Montgomery’s $22.5 million salary for 2025 and diminished value after a rocky year, the Diamondbacks are looking to explore trade options, particularly after public criticism from team ownership. 

While a big return may be unlikely, Montgomery’s previous success, including his pivotal role in the Texas Rangers’ 2023 World Series title, makes him an intriguing one-year gamble for teams needing rotation depth.

We can all sit here and be upset about the $18MM owed to Marcus Stroman after a below-average year

But let’s be thankful we’re not upset about the $23MM owed to Jordan Montgomery

— Srechter (@Srechter7) December 21, 2024

The Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves, and Chicago White Sox stand out as logical destinations, according to Deeds. 

The A’s, aiming to improve their roster and meet MLBPA revenue-sharing requirements, could slot Montgomery into a rotation featuring Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs. 

The Braves, after losing Max Fried and Charlie Morton to free agency, may view Montgomery as a low-risk bounce-back candidate to pair with Spencer Strider and Chris Sale. 

Meanwhile, the rebuilding White Sox could take on Montgomery’s salary in exchange for a prospect, with plans to flip him for additional assets if he performs well by midseason.

Jordan Montgomery tenure with the Cardinals:

32 GS
3.31 ERA
184.2 IP
1 Maddux

As much as I miss Bader, I still think we won the trade. Monty was amazing

pic.twitter.com/OsMuNABHWE

— Kamaka (@k4maka) July 30, 2023

Other potential suitors include the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, and New York Mets. 

Houston could explore a package deal involving Montgomery and one of Arizona’s young outfielders, like Alek Thomas, to address mutual needs, Deeds writes.

Seattle’s interest could depend on whether they trade Luis Castillo, creating a need for rotation help. For the Mets, Montgomery fits David Stearns’ history of targeting reclamation projects.

Photo Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images