The Arizona Diamondbacks are in a solid position to remain competitive when they head to 2025. And mostly, GM Mike Hazen is confident that the team has the resources to continue the step forward. Hazen also confirmed recently that the team’s payroll for the upcoming season would be similar to this season. Right now, the current payroll sits at $106 million, and projections put it closer to $144 million. While the D-backs improved by five wins from the last season and led in terms of runs scored, the late-season slump and pitching issues left them short of their postseason dreams.

Plus, the attendance of fans is at its highest since 2008. So, Ken Kendrick, the owner, is optimistic that the club will be able to manage the financial aspect of all of it. However, there is one area on which they seem to be focusing; at least that’s what Jeff Passan reported, and that’s trimming the payroll of Jordon Montogomery!

The Diamondbacks over Jordon Montgomery 

The Diamondbacks are interested in trimming the payroll by moving Jordon Mongomery, who is owed $22.5 million in 2025. The team now has a surplus of starters after Montgomery exercised his player option and then Merrill Kelly’s club option was exercised. Moreover, his season was a struggle, and he posted a 6.23 ERA across 25 appearances.

Now the team had hope for Montgomery, especially because in his three prior seasons with the Yankees, Cardinals, and Rangers, he was good. But his late arrival in Arizona and the missed spring training really hindered Montgomery’s adjustment levels. Jeff Passan from ESPN reported, “The Diamondbacks want to move him and will eat some of his $22.5 million salary to do so.” According to Passan, he is near the top of the list of players likely to get dealt after a rough year.

Montgomery receives harsh criticism from the owner

Montgomery isn’t at the best rapport with his team seniors. In fact, D-back owner Ken Kendrick called out Montgomery’s signing as a poor decision. “A horrible decision to have invested that money in a guy that performed as poorly as he did,” said the owner. And well, he has reasons to feel so. Jordan Montgomery’s 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks was full of struggles.

Jordan Montgomery logged a 6.25 ERA in his first 18 starts, and then the crucial point came when they played against the Miami Marlins. There he allowed six earned runs over 5.2 innings! Even though the Marlins offense was weak, Montgomery’s subpar performance led manager Torey Lovullo to move him to the bullpen. After the season, Ken Kendrick talked about his emotions.

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Well, right now, nothing is set in stone; that’s the beauty of the off-season. But guess, given the relationship has gone sour, he would most likely be traded off. Moreover, starters like Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, and Eduardo Rodriguez are available, meaning they don’t need him as such.

What do you think will happen? Let us know in the comments!