The Arizona Diamondbacks failed to make the postseason despite winning 89 games in 2024. Their fate was sealed when the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves split their doubleheader on Monday, allowing both NL East teams to advance to the playoffs.
In a candid interview on Arizona Sports radio’s Burns and Gambo, Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick accepted responsibility for one of the team’s unsuccessful offseason signings.
Kendrick discussed the addition of starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery, admitting he was behind the decision and calling it a “horrible decision.” He stated, “If anyone wants to blame someone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you’re talking to the guy that should be blamed. I brought it to their attention and pushed for it, and they agreed. It wasn’t in our game plan.”
Reflecting on the situation, Kendrick said it was a mistake to invest in a player who performed so poorly. He labeled it the team’s biggest talent-related error of the season, taking full responsibility for it.
"If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you're talking to the guy that should be blamed."
D-backs managing general partner Ken Kendrick on the signing of Montgomery in the offseason.
Full interview: https://t.co/c9zHhCcebT pic.twitter.com/4wfNmwihSX
— The Burns & Gambo Show (@BurnsAndGambo) October 1, 2024
Montgomery, a former client of Scott Boras, signed a one-year, $25 million contract with Arizona after spring training, which includes a 2025 option. However, he had the worst season of his career, posting a 6.23 ERA in 25 appearances and eventually being moved to the bullpen.
This was not the output the Diamondbacks had expected when they signed him. Rather than deflect blame, Kendrick took full ownership of what turned out to be a disastrous acquisition for the franchise.
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