Jordan Montgomery: Scott Boras ‘messed up’ contract negotiations with Red Sox – originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Red Sox were reportedly the favorites to sign left-hander Jordan Montgomery last season before he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Given Boston’s dire need for starting pitchers, many were baffled that the front office was unable to strike a deal with the 2023 World Series champion.
According to Montgomery, the Red Sox were not to blame for the failed negotiations. Before the Red Sox-Diamondbacks opener at Fenway Park on Friday, Montgomery blamed his former agent Scott Boras.
“I had a Zoom call with (the Red Sox), that’s really all I know. It went well,” Montgomery said, according to Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald. “I don’t know, obviously Boras kind of messed it up, so I’m just trying to put the offseason behind me and forget about it.”
Montgomery remained a free agent until March 29, when he signed a one-year, $25 million contract with Arizona. He missed all of spring training and did not make his debut for the D’backs until April 19.
It’s been a season to forget for the 31-year-old. After 19 starts, he has an incredible ERA of 6.44 and a WHIP of 1.67. Arizona moved him from the starting lineup to the bullpen before Friday’s game.
These pathetic numbers are an anomaly for Montgomery, who otherwise had a rock-solid career with the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. Last season with the Cardinals and Rangers, he posted a 3.20 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in 32 starts with 188.2 innings pitched. He helped Texas to the World Series title with a 2.90 ERA in six postseason games (five starts).
The Red Sox pitching staff has exceeded expectations this season despite missing out on top free agents. The Sox starters entered Friday ranked 13th in ERA (3.97), 6th in WHIP (1.20) and 9th in batting average against (.240).
They will try to improve that mark during the three-game series against the reigning National League champions at Fenway Park.
