The Diamondbacks skipper Torey Lovullo is walking a two-way sword! While he is expecting to get the best out of his pitcher Jordan Montgomery this year, he also needs to calm down the comments by his boss Ken Kendrick. For the unversed, Montgomery got bashed by the Diamondbacks’ owner Kendrick over the former’s below-par performance last year. “Horrible decision” was his comment post the end of the 2024 season. 

Undoubtedly, Montgomery is poised to offer better value to the team, and his late entry to the team last year cost his performance. However, it is not common for a team owner to speak foul against a current player publicly. Remember Anthony Rendon’s low-par performance for the Angels? Nothing foul came from the Angels’ front office about that. With Montgomery all set to start from the opening day for the Diamondbacks this year, the challenge is on their skipper to make the former feel integrated into the team. So what causes the fallout and what would be the scenario going forward?

Montgomery and the Diamondbacks: Driving the rough road 

Jordan Montgomery joined the Diamondbacks in 2024 after getting his former team the Rangers, with their first World Series ring in 2023. His 2023 stats are also worthy with 166 SO and 3.20 ERA. Back in 2024, the Diamondbacks made the right decision of getting him to the team. Well, it took a wrong turn after Montgomery ended last year with a 6.23 ERA.

So much so that the owner had to bash him publicly! It’s now on Lovullo to heal the wound and make a balance between Kendrick and Montgomery. 2025 is the last year of a contract between the two before parting away. Lovullo now needs to bring the demoralized Montgomery back to form. How will he navigate through these challenging waves?

Speaking on a podcast with Foul Territory, Lovullo shared how he discussed with Jordan Montgomery. “I reached out to Jordan and let him offload”, said Lovullo pointing out how he let the situation simmer a bit and tried to make Montgomery go big this year. Will this work? “He committed to this team and organization that he will come this spring season in great shape”, said Lovullo on how Montgomery responded.

 Well, if it turns out to be true, a better performance can be expected from Montgomery considering that will fetch him the best amount when he hits free agency post-2025. It will be a win-win situation for the Diamondbacks also if they can get the best from him this year. 

What’s next from here?

Reportedly, the Diamondbacks are looking to trade Montgomery this year and after getting Corbin Burnes, the chance of him getting traded got better. With the bad blood running between the two parties, it seems divorce is the most beneficial option for both. However, who can be the potential option here for Montgomery? The Braves! Losing out on Max Fried and Charlie Morton, they are in an urgent need for rotation. A one-year deal worth $22 million to get Montgomery can be a case here. 

The Mets can also be a dark horse for Montgomery considering they are too deep-pocketed to get him for $22 million further strengthening their rotation. Nevertheless, with or without Montgomery getting traded, Lovullo only has the job of making the former ready for the new season. He is set to join the spring season, unlike the last year, fostering his connections with teammates and enhancing his performance on the mound. Considering Montgomery’s commitment to make it big this year, a turnaround in the Diamondbacks’ fortune with him cannot be ruled out. 

Lovullo’s effectiveness as the skipper will be tested this year considering his role in Montgomery’s enhancement! Fans can only wait and see if Kendrick’s words will boomerang or help the team’s cause. 

What do you think about Lovullo’s strategy with Montgomery? Share your thoughts with us below.