Diamondbacks Owner Criticizes Player Signing as Poor Choice
- The Arizona Diamondbacks missed the postseason in 2024 after a disappointing season.
- Owner Ken Kendrick criticized pitcher Jordan Montgomery for his poor performance, stating it was a significant mistake to sign him.
- Kendrick's public remarks highlight the challenges players face and the scrutiny from ownership in Major League Baseball.
In 2024, the Arizona Diamondbacks faced disappointment after missing the postseason, a stark contrast to their previous year's World Series appearance. Owner Ken Kendrick publicly criticized pitcher Jordan Montgomery, who had a poor season with a 6.23 ERA over 117 innings, despite a strong performance in 2023. Kendrick acknowledged that signing Montgomery was a significant mistake, attributing the team's failure to his underperformance. The Diamondbacks had invested $47.5 million in a two-year deal with Montgomery, which included a player option for 2025. Kendrick's remarks highlight the pressure on MLB players and the scrutiny they face from ownership, especially when financial investments do not yield expected results. This situation raises questions about the dynamics between players and management, particularly when a player is singled out for blame in a disappointing season. Montgomery's future with the team is uncertain, especially after such public criticism from the owner, which could impact his decision to exercise his player option for 2025.