close
close

Diamondbacks owner admits Jordan Montgomery's contract was a 'terrible decision'

The Arizona Diamondbacks' season ended Monday, providing an opportunity for self-reflection. Team owner Ken Kendrick didn't like what he saw.

During an interview with The Burns & Gambo Show, Kendrick took full responsibility for what he called the team's biggest mistake last offseason: signing Jordan Montgomery. He said he pushed his front office to sign the left-hander, which he later described as a “terrible decision”:

“Let me say it the best way I can say it. If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, talk to the man who should be blamed because I brought it to his attention. I pushed for it. They agreed to this.

“That wasn’t in our game plan. You know, when he was signed right at the end of spring training, and looking back, it was a terrible decision to have invested that money in a guy who performed as poorly as he did. From a talent perspective, it’s our biggest mistake this season and I’m responsible for it.”

Kendrick isn't being overly dramatic about it. Montgomery really was that bad.

After the best season of his career, in which he became a postseason hero for the World Series champion Texas Rangers, Montgomery and his agent Scott Boras gambled on a nine-figure deal. They ultimately waited until March 27 to sign a one-year, $25 million contract with Arizona after all other suitors dropped out. Montgomery fired Boras a few weeks later.

That disastrous offseason led to a disastrous season, even if it seemed like a good fit at the time. The D-backs were able to confirm Montgomery's talent after facing him in the World Series, but that's not the guy they have. His 6.23 ERA was the worst mark in MLB that season among pitchers with at least 100 innings. He was demoted to the bullpen in August.

The D-Backs finished the season with a record of 89-73, losing a playoff spot via tiebreakers to the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. If they had won one more game, they would be playing in the postseason.

According to Baseball Reference's Wins Above Replacement calculation, Montgomery had a -1.4 win rating this season.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 21: Jordan Montgomery #52 of the Arizona Diamondbacks in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on June 21, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Jordan Montgomery had a disastrous season with the Diamondbacks after a difficult offseason. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

What makes the disaster worse: Montgomery's time with the D-backs probably isn't over yet. Due to contract incentives, his contract includes a $22.5 million player option for next season, which Montgomery will likely exercise, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Kendrick's willingness to pummel a player who will likely be under contract with the team next season could be an indication that the D-backs will be looking for a way to get him off the books.

You may also like...