Jordan Montgomery Exercises Player Option for 2025

Jordan Montgomery has exercised his $22.5 million player option for the 2025 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks despite a challenging 2024 campaign, where he posted a 6.23 ERA and was demoted from the starting rotation. The Diamondbacks signed him to a one-year, $25 million deal with a vesting option after he had a successful run with the Texas Rangers in 2023. Team owner Ken Kendrick publicly took responsibility for the signing, calling it a 'horrible decision' and the biggest mistake of the season from a talent standpoint. Montgomery's struggles included an increase in walk rate and a drop in strikeouts, leading to performance concerns. General manager Mike Hazen expressed optimism for Montgomery's recovery, stating he expects a better version of the pitcher in 2025. The team's financial flexibility is now impacted by Montgomery's exercised option as they seek to enhance their starting rotation.