MLB Rumors: Diamondbacks 'Somewhat Mixed' on Possible Jordan Montgomery Trade

Despite Jordan Montgomery's disappointing inaugural season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a trade involving the starter may not materialize.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported on Thursday that "it's no secret" the Diamondbacks are open to moving Montgomery during the offseason, but team officials are "somewhat mixed" on the idea and envision a potential bounce-back 2025 campaign.

The 31-year-old exercised his $22.5 million player option to remain with Arizona on Nov. 1.

Montgomery was a free agent for most of the offseason following a stellar run in 2023 with the Texas Rangers, signing a one-year contract worth $25 million with a player option to join the Diamondbacks in March.

Despite maintaining a 3.48 ERA to go along with 486 strikeouts in 94 starts from 2021-23, the lefty wasn't productive throughout his first year in Arizona.

He finished with a record of 8-7 as well as a 6.23 ERA in 25 appearances last season, averaging a career-low 6.4 strikeouts per nine innings. He struck out 83 total batters and allowed 44 walks.

Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick criticized the signing of Montgomery during an Oct. 1 radio appearance on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

"Looking back, in hindsight, a horrible decision to invest that money in a guy who performed as poorly as he did," Kendrick said, via the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). "It's our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint. And I'm the perpetrator of that."

Arizona could retain Montgomery, although Kendrick's comments make the team's stance regarding the veteran's 2024 season clear.

It shouldn't be difficult to find a trade partner for him, as Will Sammon and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reported on Nov. 8 that the Diamondbacks have received "significant interest" from front offices searching for starting pitching options.

Montgomery isn't guaranteed to return to Arizona in 2025, but it appears that a second season with the organization is still a possibility.