In the 2024 MLB season, Jordan Montgomery, a left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, has faced significant challenges both on and off the field. His season has been marked by underperformance, and he has voiced frustration with his former agent, Scott Boras.
During a recent interview, Montgomery mentioned that a Zoom call with the Boston Red Sox went well but was marred by what he perceived as Boras mishandling the situation. Montgomery expressed a desire to move past these issues and focus on his current performance.
Scott Boras responded to Montgomery’s comments with a statement emphasizing his commitment to his clients and his professional responsibilities. Boras, a highly regarded agent in baseball, acknowledged that he understands the frustration players might feel but stressed that he cannot discuss specifics without Montgomery’s permission. He reiterated that all decisions are ultimately made by the clients and wished Montgomery well in his future endeavors.
Montgomery entered the open market last offseason with high expectations following his successful stint with the Texas Rangers, where he played a key role in their World Series win. Despite this, he ended up signing a one-year, $25 million deal with the Diamondbacks just before the season started. Montgomery’s decision to change agents shortly after this signing suggests dissatisfaction with how his representation handled his market value.
Boras, known for his prominent role in the industry, has faced scrutiny as some of his clients have not secured as lucrative deals as anticipated. Blake Snell, the 2023 NL Cy Young Award winner, and Cody Bellinger, who had a standout season, both signed contracts that fell short of expectations relative to their performance. This has led to questions about Boras’s effectiveness in negotiating deals for his clients.
Montgomery’s 2024 season has been notably rough, with a 6.44 ERA and 1.67 WHIP, leading to his recent shift to the bullpen. Injuries and a delayed start to the season have contributed to his struggles.
Despite these issues, the Diamondbacks remain competitive, holding the top NL wild-card spot and being only a few games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. Montgomery’s past performance, including his impressive 2023 season with the Rangers and Cardinals, highlights his potential, even as he navigates a difficult year.
