While On Offseason, Red Sox Have Signed in Another Dodgers Key Player, Teoscar Hernandez For $80m to a 1-year Deal.
Montgomery, one of the best pitchers to hit free agency this winter, is reportedly signing a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the left-hander has a one-year, $25 million contract with a $25 million vesting option for a second year.
The 31-year-old Montgomery just finished an incredible 2023 season that he played for the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals. He put up a 3.20 ERA and 1.19 ERA with 166 strikeouts and 48 walks in 188.2 innings of work over 32 starts between the two clubs. In six playoff appearances (five starts), he recorded a 2.90 ERA, which helped the Rangers win the World Series.
After it was revealed that Eduardo Rodriguez, the former left-hander for the Red Sox who signed with the D’Backs this past winter, would miss time with a lat strain, Montgomery became a fit for Arizona. With Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Montgomery, Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt in the starting lineup, Arizona has one of the league’s most exciting lineups to make up for the loss of E-Rod.
Earlier in the offseason, Montgomery was linked to the Red Sox, who were thought to be the front-runners to sign him. A trade for the seasoned southpaw would have been ideal given the team’s need for a front-line starter. Particularly after Lucas Giolito, a free agent signing, was sidelined by injury for the whole season.
Rather, Brayan Bello, a rookie right-hander, will start for Boston on Opening Day this Thursday night in Seattle. To start the season, the Red Sox’s rotation consists of Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, Garrett Whitlock, and Nick Pivetta.
