If one had any doubt over the importance of Spring Training, one look at two of Scott Boras’ clients might dispel those thoughts. Blake Snell, the reigning Cy Young winner was running cold right before his injury, and Jordan Montgomery hasn’t been himself all season. Monty waited all winter to sign a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks that initially looked like a win for the D-backs. But now, it looks anything but that.

From the get-go, it was obvious that missing Spring Training would have consequences for the Boras four. But while Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman dealt with it easily (as position players are wont to), the pitchers couldn’t. As a result, with a 6.80 ERA, Montgomery has turned into a shadow of his former self. With the Diamondbacks struggling as well, the fans too have become a little impatient. That impatience was visible during the recent game where Monty was booed off the ballpark. 

However, does it mean that Montgomery’s future with the D-Backs is insecure? As of now, there are no hints of that. But top analyst and former executive David Samson disagrees with the above sentiment. On his show, Samson gave a shocking solution to the Montgomery issue. “$20 million for Jordan Montgomery? Guess what I’m doing? Bye-bye, I’m designating Jordan Montgomery for assignment,” Samson said.

But what makes Samson take such a drastic step? The ever-mounting costs of keeping Montgomery might not be a financially prudent decision.  Diamondbacks signed the pitcher to a $25 million deal with an option to extend it for another year. It is a vested deal, which means that if Monty plays 10 games, he will get $20 million. And by 23 games, he’d be getting $25 million in total in 2025.

As of now, Monty has played 9 games. So if the Diamondbacks designate him now, they’d escape those additional costs. However, there seems to be no sign of that happening as of now. But while the team still believes in Montgomery, the superstar is frustrated by his performances.

Jordan Montgomery faces booing crowds as form continues to depart

Jordan Montgomery was visibly shaken after the crowd booed him off after his horrendous start in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 9-3 loss against the San Francisco Giants. The Snakes were coming off a four-game winning streak and that loss again highlighted Monty’s complete loss of form. “You just feel like a piece of crap every day you show up,” Montgomery said about his form, adding, “Team, four-game winning streak, and I feel like every time I go out there, we lose. Just got to keep trying to be better.” 

Montgomery highlighted that currently there are ‘more negatives than positives’ in his performances. Though he couldn’t point at the actual issue, he was surprised at how difficult everything was. In a way, Monty’s words echoed what Blake Snell said a few days ago. The lack of Spring Training has had a number on them. But can both of them return to their best? There’s still time for that.