D-backs’ Jordan Montgomery expressed frustration, stating his former agent, Scott Boras, “butchered” his free agency experience during the 2024 MLB season. This year has not gone as planned for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ left-handed pitcher, and it appears he wishes to move on from both his performance and his past representation.
“I had a Zoom call with [the Boston Red Sox], that’s really all I know,” Montgomery commented on Friday when asked about his interest in signing with the Red Sox. “It went good. I don’t know, obviously Boras kind of butchered it, so I’m just trying to move on from the offseason and try to forget it.”
In response to Montgomery’s comments, Boras issued a statement acknowledging the challenges players face. “I saw what Jordan said. I know what it is to be frustrated with this game. As a former player, I feel for him. But I’m also a lawyer with obligations to my clients, including former ones. So I cannot discuss what happened or the decisions Jordan made unless he gives me permission,” Boras stated. “If he gives me the green light, I’ll be happy to talk about it.”
Boras, a well-known figure in baseball representation with over 35 years in the industry, emphasized his commitment to his clients. “I relay all offers and relevant information to all my clients and act at their direction. They make all decisions. We wish Jordan well.”
Montgomery entered the offseason as one of the most sought-after starting pitchers after playing a pivotal role in the Texas Rangers’ World Series victory. However, the anticipated market failed to develop, leading him to sign a one-year, $25 million contract with the Diamondbacks just days before the season began. Shortly thereafter, he made the decision to change agents.
Despite Boras’s reputation as a leading agent, some of his clients have experienced disappointing market outcomes recently. In addition to Montgomery, Blake Snell, the 2023 National League Cy Young Award winner, signed a modest two-year deal with the San Francisco Giants shortly before the 2024 season. Meanwhile, outfielder Cody Bellinger, who enjoyed a strong 2023 season with a .307/.356/.525 slash line, agreed to a three-year, $80 million deal to remain with the Chicago Cubs.
Currently, Montgomery is facing a challenging season, marked by a 6.44 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, and 67 strikeouts over 95 innings in 19 starts. Recently, he was transitioned to the bullpen after missing about a month due to a knee injury, with his first start occurring on April 19. Despite his struggles, the Diamondbacks hold a 73-56 record, securing the top National League wild-card spot and trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by four games in the NL West.
Montgomery’s 2023 season was split between the Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals. During his 11 regular-season starts with Texas, he achieved a 2.79 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 58 strikeouts. Additionally, he posted an impressive 2.90 ERA across six postseason appearances, five of which were starts.
At 31 years old, Montgomery began his MLB journey with the New York Yankees, who traded him to the Cardinals in 2022, followed by a trade to Texas in 2023. As he navigates this difficult season, the left-hander is determined to regain his footing and focus on the future.
