Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick publicly criticized the signing of pitcher Jordan Montgomery, calling it the team’s “biggest mistake” of the season. The comments came after the Diamondbacks narrowly missed out on the postseason despite an impressive offensive performance. Kendrick, appearing on The Burns and Gambo Show, admitted that he personally pushed for Montgomery’s signing, a decision that backfired as the pitcher struggled significantly throughout the year.
Montgomery, who was signed to a one-year, $25 million contract with a player option for a second year, had been highly sought after following a strong 2023 season that included a stellar postseason run with the Texas Rangers. However, his performance for the Diamondbacks fell far short of expectations. The left-hander finished the 2024 season with a 6.23 ERA, one of the worst among starting pitchers in the league, and was eventually moved to the bullpen.
Kendrick took full responsibility for the move, admitting that he advocated for Montgomery’s signing, which was not originally part of the team’s plans during spring training. “If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you’re talking to the guy that should be blamed,” Kendrick said, adding that the investment in the pitcher was a “horrible decision” in hindsight.
The fallout from the signing was compounded by the fact that Montgomery was one of the highest-paid players on the Diamondbacks roster. With his performance failing to live up to expectations, the team struggled in the pitching department, finishing with the fourth-most runs allowed per game in the league. Arizona’s pitching woes ultimately cost them a spot in the postseason.
Despite Kendrick’s blunt assessment, Montgomery still has a player option for the 2025 season. If he chooses to stay, he could potentially work on rebuilding his value with a stronger performance next year. However, Kendrick’s comments have raised questions about how the criticism might impact team morale and the potential for attracting free agents in the future.
As for the team’s outlook, Kendrick remained optimistic about improving for next season. He cited strong revenue from increased attendance and plans to reinvest in the roster. But the disappointment over the Montgomery signing will likely serve as a cautionary tale for future decisions.