Nationals’ Potential Revival: A $22.5 Million Gamble on Jordan Montgomery
It’s been a tumultuous journey for the Washington Nationals ever since clinching the 2019 World Series title. Following their all-out effort to secure Major League Baseball’s most coveted prize, the Nationals have witnessed a significant exodus of key players, akin to a golden retriever shedding its fur on a scorching summer day.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Darkness
Despite the team’s recent struggles that relegated them to the bottom of the National League East, there seems to be a flicker of hope rekindling in the Nationals’ camp. While it’s improbable for Washington to challenge the likes of the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, or Atlanta Braves this season, they appear poised to resurface as a moderately competitive force in the league.
According to insights from Mike Axisa of CBS Sports, the Nationals are eyeing a potential deal with Jordan Montgomery, the beleaguered Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher. Montgomery, an established eight-year veteran in Major League Baseball, faced a turbulent season last year, marked by lackluster performance and a glaring 6.23 ERA.
A Costly Redemption Path
In a move that raised eyebrows across the baseball fraternity, Montgomery inked a one-year, $25 million contract just before the onset of the 2024 season, which included a hefty $22.5 million player option for 2025. Despite his struggles on the mound in the past season, with an uncharacteristically high ERA, Montgomery is expected to trigger his player option for 2025, considering the unlikelihood of securing a free-agent deal even remotely close to his current valuation.
Given the Diamondbacks’ eagerness to offload Montgomery’s 2025 salary, the Nationals emerge as a potential suitor, especially with their estimated payroll for the upcoming season standing $23 million lower than the preceding year. This strategic move could see Montgomery don the Nationals’ uniform, aiming for a resurgence in his performance and providing much-needed pitching depth to the team.
A Silver Lining for Washington
Despite Montgomery’s underwhelming recent stats, his overall career figures paint a more promising picture, with a respectable 4.03 ERA over the years. There’s a glimmer of optimism that Montgomery could bounce back this season, offering Washington a reliable arm on the mound as the team navigates through its rebuilding phase, all without compromising its prized pool of young talents.
In essence, the Nationals’ potential acquisition of Jordan Montgomery symbolizes a calculated risk—a $22.5 million bet on redemption and renewed vigor. As the baseball world eagerly awaits the unfolding of this narrative, Washington stands at a crossroads, poised to revive a fallen star and carve a new path towards glory.
