“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” This perfectly embodies the story of Jordan Montgomery, a pitcher who’s staring down a $22.5 million redemption arc after a career-altering nightmare.

Montgomery’s journey was more than amazing in his launching season. He had been traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Texas Rangers in mid-season and was instrumental in their World Series win. He had a good regular season with the Rangers, with a 3.20 ERA in thirty-two starts, and an impressive playoff series, where his ERA was 3.00. Then things changed dramatically for the worse during 2024, when he signed a $25-million-per-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

What followed was a season riddled with setbacks and disappointments. And what’s the number? A career-worst 6.23 ERA and a banishment to the bullpen in August. Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick went so far as to criticize the decision publicly, stating, “It wasn’t in our game plan ….. (it was) a horrible decision to have invested that money in a guy that performed as poorly as he did. It’s our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint.” Things can’t be more brutal. Right?

Despite the turmoil, Montgomery is determined to rewrite his narrative. He has opted in to his $22.5 million player option for 2025 and indicated a desire to compete for a starting role with the Diamondbacks.“Probably not,” was Montgomery’s answer when asked if he felt he had to compete this spring for a job. Then he also volunteered, “Yeah, I mean, that’s what I’m here for. They’re paying me a lot of money.” That’s pretty confident and you don’t see that often in the heart of a struggling player. Suggesting he’s ready to silence the doubters.

Hazen’s hope: Montgomery’s chance at revival

Montgomery’s intensity is attractive, but the Diamondbacks are not only counting on that. As his 2024 was so concerning, the team is now seriously overhauling its options. Yet Diamondbacks General Manager Mike Hazen describes Montgomery’s track record as worthwhile and thinks he deserves a chance at redemption. “I think that he is going to go out there and be a candidate to go out there as one of our starting pitchers,” Hazen said, stressing the fact that Montgomery has a solid resume and upside remaining.

This optimism isn’t just blind faith. There are undeniable signs of Montgomery’s commitment to a comeback. He has reportedly lost 20–25 pounds this offseason and is trying to get into better overall shape and improve his mechanics. Reports from spring training suggest that he’s throwing well and is healthy and confident. He just had a front box session, which went fine, and is ready for the season. A small finer delayed his first spring training start by a few days, but he is projected to be in regular season form.

Montgomery will face an uphill battle to regain his starting role. He’s up against a bunch of skilled pitchers competing for those five player rotation slots. Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Eduardo Rodriguez seem to have locked in spots, with Montgomery competing against Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson for the last. Both Pfaadt, who pitched the most innings for the team last year, and Nelson, who had a 3.05 ERA in the second half, are tough competitors. So it won’t be a walk in the park. 

Montgomery’s journey back to the top will be a compelling narrative in the upcoming season. He’s battling not only external competition but also the ghosts of his performance and the weight of a hefty contract. Will Montgomery rise to the occasion and silence his critics? Or will the Diamondbacks’ gamble backfire?