Earlier today, speculation around various Washington Nationals' community on social media was made about a potential trade scenario that would involve the club dealing for lefty Jordan Montgomery from the Arizona Diamondbacks. According to speculation from Mike Axisa of CBS Sports, the Nationals could be looking at a potential deal for the veteran lefty.
Despite the rumors, it appears as if this speculation could be old news, and is just making its way back through the rumor mill. Speculation between the Nationals and Montgomery was an idea that was floated around last month, but given the team brought in Michael Soroka and Trevor Williams, who have both been told they will be in the 2025 rotation, this would not make the most sense for the club. Nonetheless, let's just take a look at a couple of quick reasons why this move makes no sense for the Nationals to make at this time.
Financial Risk
For starters (no pun intended), a little bit of context is needed on the financial aspect of Jordan Montgomery that he currently finds himself in. After trusting agent Scott Boras to land him a long-term deal following his run to the World Series with the Texas Rangers, he ultimately had to settle for a 1-year worth $25 million in 2024, and a player option for $22.5 million in 2025.
He was signed just 2 days before Opening Day, and did not have any sort of Spring Training to help get him ramped up for the 2024 season. Overall, his season was a disaster, with Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen saying that the signing didn't work out, which soured the relationship between Montgomery and the club.
If the Nationals were to deal for him, it would likely be inexpensive, but it remains to be seen how much of the deal the Diamondbacks would be willing to eat to rid themselves of the contract. If the Nationals were to take on the majority of a $22.5 million contract for the year, why would they spend that money on Montgomery rather than an impact bat like Anthony Santander? To me, it makes no sense, and I believe the Nationals are thinking the same thing as well, considering their lack of aggressive spending so far this offseason.
Blocking Young Talent
The other reason why it makes no sense for the Nationals to trade for Montgomery is his lack of a clear fit on this team. While he has been solid throughout his career until 2024, the team would be blocking a lot of their young talent that they currently have in the majors.
With young arms like MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, DJ Herz, and Mitchell Parker as well as other arms that will likely factor into the rotation like Michael Soroka and Trevor Williams, the rotation is already very crowded, and there is no sense in blocking young talent in what figures to be another non-competitive year for the club. This isn't even considering prospects like Cade Cavalli, Brad Lord, and Andry Lara who also could push for a call-up to the majors during this season as well.
If the Nationals trade for Montgomery, it could make sense if they were to deal one of their young arms in the package or make a move for another young player, but as of right now with the logjam it just makes no sense. Ultimately, I would be shocked if the Nationals traded for Montgomery given the fact that if he performs well he would be headed for free agency again next year, unless the Nationals dealt him at the deadline.
What do you think of the Jordan Montgomery rumor? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.