MLB Rumors: Jordan Montgomery Didn't Want Red Sox Contract Because 'He Wants to Win'

Left-hander Jordan Montgomery, who recently agreed to a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, didn't want to sign with the Boston Red Sox "because he wants to win," according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

Although there were no reports of Red Sox formally offering Montgomery a contract, "it turns out Montgomery preferred not to go there, anyway," Heyman wrote.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported in February that the Red Sox held a Zoom meeting with Montgomery.

The former Texas Rangers pitcher spent at least part of the offseason in Boston while his wife worked a residency at a hospital in the area, according to Boston.com's Luke Scotchie.

Dr. McKenzie Dirr Montgomery is now transferring to Vanderbilt, Heyman reported.

Montgomery recorded a 3-1 record with a 2.90 ERA and 17 strikeouts in six games of the 2023 postseason to help lead the Rangers to win the World Series.

He earned the loss in the Diamondbacks' 9-1 Game 2 win over the Rangers.

Now he will switch to the other side as Arizona vies for another shot at the World Series.

Few expected the 83-win Diamondbacks to have a shot at the title last year. Their 2023 run to the World Series, as well as a series of offseason acquisitions including left-handed starter Eduardo Rodriguez and third baseman Eugenio Suárez, now make them solid early picks for an NL wild card spot in 2024.

The Red Sox, which finished at the bottom of the AL East for the second straight year with 78 wins last season, are on a different trajectory.

After trading veterans like outfielder Alex Verdugo and left-hander Chris Sale, the Red Sox will be relying in large part on younger players like infielder Vaughn Grissom and 2023 Rookie of the Year third-place runner-up Triston Casas. Boston will begin the season by giving newly-extended 24-year-old pitcher Brayan Bello his first Opening Day start.

By trading for and extending players like Grissom and Bello, the Red Sox are setting the foundation for a rebuild— but that doesn't mean this team will be ready to contend in time for the 2024 postseason, and Montgomery reportedly wasn't ready to wait.

Montgomery's contract could potentially keep him with the Diamondbacks for more than one season if he becomes a regular part of the starting rotation. The left-hander could receive a second-year player option for between $20 million and $25 million if he makes at least 10 starts in 2024, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.