The Boston Red Sox narrowly avoided a mistake by passing on Jordan Montgomery last offseason. There have been conflicting reports about whether the Sox offered him a contract, but missing out on him proved fortunate.
Montgomery recorded a troubling 6.23 ERA over 25 appearances, with 83 strikeouts and 44 walks in 117 innings, making his $25 million deal with the Diamondbacks look questionable, especially considering the bigger contract he initially sought. After the Diamondbacks were eliminated from playoff contention, owner Ken Kendrick criticized the investment in Montgomery, calling it a significant mistake and taking responsibility for it.
"If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you're talking to the guy that should be blamed."
D-backs managing general partner Ken Kendrick on the signing of Montgomery in the offseason.
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That’s an unusually harsh remark from an owner about a player, and it reflects poorly on a team trying to attract free agents in the near future. While Montgomery didn’t perform up to expectations this season, blaming the team’s failure to reach the postseason on him is both unfair and overly harsh. Typically, owners and executives are more tactful in their criticism, so Kendrick’s outburst is quite striking.
There were rumors that the Red Sox had made Montgomery an offer before he signed with Arizona, and he expressed a desire to play in Boston. Shortly after signing with the Diamondbacks, Montgomery dismissed his agent, Scott Boras, for mishandling his free agency. His contract includes an option for a second year, which he should exercise to potentially push for a trade if the Diamondbacks are unhappy with him.
Red Sox fans may not have had much positive to say about owner John Henry recently, but even he wouldn’t stoop to the level of Kendrick’s comments.
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