The 2024 season hasn’t gone as Jordan Montgomery envisioned when he signed a $25 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks after entering the offseason as one of the most sought-after free agents. Recently, Montgomery reflected on his decisions, particularly those influenced by his former agent, Scott Boras.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Speaking to the Boston Herald, Montgomery expressed frustration, suggesting Boras mishandled negotiations with the Boston Red Sox, costing him a more favorable contract. “Boras kind of butchered it,” Montgomery remarked, indicating that the outcome of his free agency didn’t align with his expectations.
In response to Montgomery’s statements, Boras defended his approach, emphasizing that his clients make their own decisions. “I know what it is to be frustrated with this game,” Boras said. “As a former player, I feel for him. But ultimately, they make all decisions. We wish Jordan well.”
However, the story took another turn as Blake Snell, another high-profile Boras client, came to the agent’s defense. Like Montgomery, Snell entered the 2024 offseason expecting a lucrative, long-term contract but ended up signing a shorter deal with the San Francisco Giants. Despite facing challenges early in the season, Snell has turned his performance around, posting a 1.30 ERA over his last nine starts, including a no-hitter on August 2.
Unlike Montgomery, Snell isn’t placing any blame on Boras. In comments to The Athletic before the Giants’ game against the Mariners, Snell expressed disappointment with Montgomery’s remarks, defending Boras as an honorable agent who kept him informed throughout the free agency process. “Scott’s been great for me,” Snell said. “He told me everything that was happening, all the offers I got. So for him to just get bashed for what I believe is false, that’s not fair at all. I really strongly believe that.”
Snell acknowledged that both he and Montgomery underestimated the impact of missing a full spring training, which contributed to their early-season struggles. He stated, “I’ve seen how [Montgomery] struggled, but he signed the deal that he ultimately wanted to sign,” Snell added. “It’s just sad that he thinks that way when I see Scott as a very honorable man.”
Montgomery signed a one-year, $25 million contract with an option for 2025, while Snell inked a two-year, $62 million deal with the Giants. Despite their differing paths, both pitchers find themselves in the spotlight as their seasons unfold. Montgomery’s struggles led to his removal from the Diamondbacks’ rotation, while Snell has reestablished himself as a dominant force on the mound.
