Arizona Diamondbacks Ask Team to Take on $13M in Jordan Montgomery Trade, Per Report

The Jordan Montgomery trade rumors are starting to heat up with the regular season approaching, but the Arizona Diamondbacks could have a tough time offloading his contract.

Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (52) leaves the mound in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Arizona Diamondbacks spent big on one pitcher this winter, but they could be looking to save a few bucks on another before the season gets underway.

A report surfaced last week that left-hander Jordan Montgomery was drawing trade interest from multiple teams. According to the Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro, the Diamondbacks have asked at least one team to take on $13 million of Montgomery's $22.5 million salary for 2025.

While that move would save Arizona eight figures, it remains to be seen if they have any buyers for Montgomery at that price tag.

Montgomery signed with the Diamondbacks last March, then proceeded to go 8-7 with a 6.23 ERA, 1.650 WHIP, 6.4 strikeouts per nine innings and a -1.4 WAR across 25 appearances. Montgomery opted into the second year of his deal in October, even after owner Ken Kendrick publicly fessed up to overpaying the veteran southpaw in September.

When former NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes inked a $210 million deal with Arizona in December, Montgomery lost a guaranteed spot in the club's rotation. The 32-year-old was then locked into a long relief role after allowing five earned runs in 3.0 innings of work in the Cactus League this spring.

Montgomery was fresh off winning a World Series with the Texas Rangers prior to his extended time in free agency and eventual arrival in Arizona. He was 38-34 with a 3.68 ERA, 1.209 WHIP, 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings and a 12.6 WAR through his first seven MLB seasons, spending most of that time with the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals.

The Diamondbacks are set to open their regular season Thursday against the Chicago Cubs. First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET.

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