The Arizona Diamondbacks are navigating a delicate situation with starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery after a disappointing 2024 season drew sharp public criticism from team owner Ken Kendrick. In an effort to clear the air and chart a path forward, general manager Mike Hazen recently met with the veteran lefty to discuss accountability and future plans.
Montgomery Takes Responsibility for Subpar Performance
Despite signing a lucrative one-year, $25 million deal with a 2025 player option just after Opening Day, Montgomery struggled mightily in his first season with the D-backs. The 31-year-old posted a bloated 6.23 ERA across 21 starts and 117 innings before being demoted to the bullpen. According to sources close to the situation, Montgomery was “extremely accountable” for his poor performance during his meeting with Hazen.
I will say that he was extremely accountable to the season he had, and I respect that. I tried to be accountable toward some of the areas we could have maybe helped him a little better.
– Mike Hazen, Diamondbacks GM
Kendrick’s Harsh Words Linger
The need for a meeting between Montgomery and Hazen was precipitated by Kendrick’s scathing remarks about the pitcher’s performance in a radio interview after the season. The owner took responsibility for suggesting the signing but didn’t mince words about the outcome.
Looking back, in hindsight, a horrible decision to invest that money in a guy who performed as poorly as he did. It’s our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint. And I’m the perpetrator of that.
– Ken Kendrick, Diamondbacks owner
Missed Playoff Opportunity Adds Sting
Montgomery’s struggles contributed to the Diamondbacks narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024, a year after their thrilling World Series run. Arizona finished in a three-way tie with the Braves and Mets for the final two National League wild card spots but lost out on October due to regular-season head-to-head records. The lefty’s inability to live up to expectations as a high-priced addition made the near-miss all the more frustrating.
Hazen Open to Montgomery Returning
Despite the tumultuous season, Hazen expressed openness to Montgomery being part of the D-backs’ plans in 2025. The pitcher exercised his $22.5 million player option earlier this week, ensuring he’ll be back in Arizona unless traded. The GM acknowledged that the team is fielding inquiries about their starting pitchers due to their depth.
I feel like we’re in a strong position from a starting pitching standpoint. I’d like to stay there, but we’ll see what happens as we go through the offseason.
– Mike Hazen
Proven Track Record Offers Hope
While 2024 was a disaster, Montgomery boasts a solid MLB resumé that suggests a bounce-back could be possible. Over eight seasons, he’s compiled a 46-41 record with a respectable 4.03 ERA. If the D-backs can help him regain his prior form, retaining the veteran could prove to be a wise move, especially considering their wealth of young pitching talent that could benefit from his experience.
Uncertainty Looms as Offseason Begins
As the Diamondbacks navigate a critical offseason aimed at returning to contention, Montgomery’s future with the organization remains murky. The clearing-the-air meeting with Hazen is a positive first step, but it remains to be seen if the relationship can be fully mended after Kendrick’s pointed remarks. With Arizona poised to field a deep and talented pitching staff in 2025, the pressure will be on Montgomery to prove he still belongs in the mix, either as a starter or a high-leverage reliever. Baseball’s hot stove is just starting to heat up, and the D-backs’ plans for the maligned lefty will be a storyline to watch closely in the coming months.
