As the 2024 Major League Baseball season comes to a close, expect a surge of rumors and speculation about free agents and trades. While it’s still early for definitive predictions, Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer has compiled a list of potential trade candidates for each team, identifying former Cardinals pitcher as the player most likely to be traded by the Arizona Cardinals.
“The D-backs’ $25 million investment in Montgomery yielded a 6.23 ERA this season, so one can hardly blame Kendrick for his saltiness,” Rymer said. “But if the lefty exercises (as he likely will) his $22.5 million option for 2025, the Snakes will have a dilemma on their hands. Rather than keeping the 31-year-old, the best thing for everyone would be a trade that would give him a fresh start elsewhere.
“The D-backs would presumably have to eat some of his 2025 salary to facilitate a deal, but likely not the entire sum…Potential Fits: Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets.”
Rymer’s mention of the Rangers as a potential destination for Montgomery is intriguing. St. Louis traded him to Texas in 2023, where he played a key role in their World Series run. Montgomery seemed eager to return to Texas in the offseason, but that didn’t materialize. After signing a short-term deal with the Diamondbacks, he faced some struggles. With Texas facing decisions regarding their pitching staff—potentially losing Nathan Eovaldi—it might make sense for them to consider bringing Montgomery back.
