Jim Bowden isn’t exactly known for his accuracy when it comes to predicting where players might land in free agency or through trades. Still, as the saying goes, even a broken clock is right twice a day.
As an MLB insider and former executive for the Reds and Nationals, Bowden has some valuable insight, though his takes can sometimes be a bit hard to believe. Recently, he released a list of predictions on free agent signings, trades, and more.
One of Bowden’s predictions involved the Braves potentially trading for pitcher Jordan Montgomery, who was a key contributor to the Texas Rangers’ World Series run in 2023. His standout performance in the ALCS included a 1.29 ERA over 14 innings, with three walks and 10 strikeouts, setting the stage for the Rangers’ first World Series title.
Bowden anticipates that Montgomery will opt into his $22.5 million player option with the Diamondbacks for 2025, after which he believes Arizona and Atlanta could work out a trade. Bowden suggests that in exchange for Montgomery, the Braves would send two minor-league prospects, with Arizona covering half of Montgomery’s salary.
Montgomery, a lefty, could be a solid addition for the Braves, despite the unusual nature of Arizona parting ways with him. His 2024 season was rocky, ending with a 6.23 ERA over 117 innings, a 4.48 FIP, 44 walks, and 83 strikeouts. Right knee inflammation may have contributed to his struggles and increased walk rate, which rose from a stellar 6.2% in 2023 (82nd percentile among MLB pitchers) to 8.3% in 2024 (30th percentile).
Additionally, after the season, Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick publicly criticized Montgomery’s signing as a “terrible decision,” calling it the team’s “biggest mistake” in talent acquisition. This criticism led Arizona GM Mike Hazen to meet with Montgomery in an attempt to improve relations, yet the tense situation could affect Montgomery’s desire to stay.
Why would the Braves be interested in acquiring a pitcher with these recent struggles? Despite the setbacks, Montgomery’s chase rate rose to 33.2% and his barrel rate improved to 6.0% in 2024. Atlanta might be able to help him regain his groundball rate, which could make him an ideal fit for their rotation. Known for inducing weak contact rather than high strikeout rates during his career with the Yankees, Cardinals, Rangers, and Diamondbacks, Montgomery depends on minimizing hard contact to be effective.
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