Jordan Montgomery: The Once-Dreadful Diamondback and Baltimore Orioles’ Potential Lifeline for 2025 Season
Jordan Montgomery, the name once uttered with a sense of disappointment and frustration, has experienced a remarkable career turnaround. From a lackluster start with the Arizona Diamondbacks to becoming a potential game-changer for the Baltimore Orioles in the 2025 season, Montgomery’s story is one of perseverance, redemption, and promise. For many baseball fans, his evolution from a struggling starter to a key potential asset on a contending team like the Orioles is a narrative worth telling, especially given the transformative impact he could have on their pitching staff.
Early Struggles with the Diamondbacks
Montgomery’s tenure with the Arizona Diamondbacks was characterized by inconsistency. Initially hailed as a promising young arm, Montgomery’s performances on the mound did not match the high expectations that came with his reputation. His time in Arizona was marked by a series of frustrating starts and an inability to put together a sustained run of success. ERA’s ballooned, strikeouts dipped, and hitters consistently found ways to get on base against him. With each outing, it seemed like Montgomery’s potential was going to waste in a desert of underachievement.
It wasn’t just the numbers that were disappointing, but also Montgomery’s demeanor on the mound. He lacked the confidence that top-tier pitchers exude, and there was a sense that he was not able to handle the pressure of being the anchor for a team in need of reliable starting pitching. Arizona’s inability to capitalize on his potential resulted in an inevitable decision: they moved on from Montgomery, looking to shore up their rotation with a more reliable, experienced starter.
But Montgomery wasn’t done yet. His story had only begun to take shape.
A Fresh Start in New York: The Turning Point
In 2023, Montgomery found himself traded to the New York Yankees, a move that would mark a significant turning point in his career. In the Bronx, Montgomery’s fortunes began to shift. The Yankees are known for their tough, high-pressure environment, but they also possess one of the most advanced pitching development systems in baseball. It was here, under the tutelage of the Yankees’ pitching coaches, that Montgomery began to rediscover his form.
Montgomery made immediate improvements in his mechanics, increasing his fastball velocity and improving the command of his breaking pitches. But perhaps the most significant change was his mental approach to the game. With the added pressure of pitching in a marquee market like New York, Montgomery grew more confident, understanding the nuances of the game and how to perform under big lights. He refined his ability to pitch in the clutch, handling high-leverage situations with poise. Gone was the tentative pitcher who struggled to make it through five innings; in his place was a composed, efficient starter capable of shutting down tough lineups.
Over the course of the 2023 season, Montgomery posted some of his best numbers to date. His ERA dropped significantly, his WHIP decreased, and he began to command the strike zone with a consistency he had never before achieved. While Montgomery was not an ace, he was beginning to develop into a reliable middle-of-the-rotation arm, someone who could go deep into games and keep his team in contention. His ability to adapt and improve during this time was the key factor that earned him a long-term deal with a new team: the Baltimore Orioles.
The Orioles’ Pursuit of Montgomery
By the end of 2024, the Baltimore Orioles had emerged as one of the most promising teams in the American League. With an explosive offense and an up-and-coming pitching staff, the Orioles were on the verge of becoming serious contenders for the 2025 season. However, one key area of concern remained: pitching depth.
While the Orioles had some strong young arms in their rotation, they were lacking a consistent veteran presence who could provide stability and leadership. This was the exact role Montgomery was brought in to fill. In December 2024, the Orioles signed Montgomery to a lucrative contract, signaling the team’s belief in his ability to contribute immediately and help guide them through the high expectations of a postseason-bound squad.
The addition of Montgomery to a young, hungry pitching staff could prove to be a game-changer for Baltimore. The team’s front office has long sought out a pitcher who could bring both reliability and experience to a rotation that still features a mix of rookies and sophomores. By pairing Montgomery with young talents like Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish, the Orioles hope to have a balanced rotation that includes both upside and stability.
Montgomery’s Fit with the Orioles
Jordan Montgomery’s pitching style and strengths are a natural fit for the Orioles. His fastball-slider combination is effective against both left-handed and right-handed hitters, and his ability to induce weak contact is an asset in the spacious confines of Oriole Park at Camden Yards. His transition into a veteran presence will also be important for the team’s younger pitchers, as they can look to him for guidance both on the mound and in the clubhouse.
One of Montgomery’s most notable attributes is his ability to throw strikes and limit walks. His strikeout-to-walk ratio has been steadily improving over the last few seasons, and his pitch efficiency will play well in a rotation where getting deep into games is a priority. With the Orioles’ offense capable of scoring runs in bunches, Montgomery’s job will be to keep the team in games long enough to let the bats do their work.
Another critical area where Montgomery could help the Orioles is in his ability to pitch in big moments. The 2025 season will bring heightened expectations for Baltimore, with many predicting them to make a deep postseason run. As the team’s most experienced starter, Montgomery will be tasked with stepping up in high-leverage situations, particularly in September and October when games become more intense. His time in New York, where he dealt with the spotlight of a major market, should help him thrive under the pressure of postseason baseball.
The Importance of Montgomery to the Orioles’ 2025 Success
The Orioles have positioned themselves as one of the teams to watch in 2025, but the true test will be whether their pitching staff can hold up throughout a long, grueling season. While they have offensive firepower and an impressive bullpen, the key to going deep into the playoffs will lie in the rotation. Here, Montgomery’s role will be indispensable.
By having a pitcher like Montgomery, who is capable of taking the ball every fifth day and providing stability, the Orioles can avoid the inconsistency that plagued many teams in recent years. Montgomery’s ability to eat innings and keep the score manageable will allow the bullpen to remain fresh throughout the season, increasing the overall effectiveness of the pitching staff.
Moreover, Montgomery brings an important element of depth to the rotation. In past seasons, Baltimore had relied heavily on a small group of pitchers, but the addition of Montgomery allows them to have more flexibility. With a dependable middle-of-the-rotation arm, the Orioles can rotate their pitchers more effectively, managing workloads and keeping pitchers healthy for a postseason push.
The potential of a Montgomery-led Orioles rotation, paired with the team’s offensive firepower, makes them a dangerous club in the American League. Should Montgomery continue to pitch at the level he has shown since his time in New York, the Orioles could become a legitimate World Series contender in 2025. It’s clear that Montgomery’s acquisition was a calculated move by the Orioles front office, one that could pay significant dividends come October.
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