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Jordan Blackmon Montgomery (born December 27, 1992), nicknamed "Gumby" or "Monty", is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Key Information

Before his professional career, Montgomery played college baseball for the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Yankees selected him in the 2014 MLB draft, and he made his MLB debut in 2017. The Yankees traded Montgomery to the Cardinals in 2022, and the Cardinals traded him to the Texas Rangers, where he won his first championship in the 2023 World Series. After spending two years with the Diamondbacks, he returned to the Rangers for the 2026 season.

Early life

[edit]

Jordan Blackmon Montgomery was born on December 27, 1992, in Sumter, South Carolina. He attended Sumter High School where he played for the school's baseball team, being named the state's player of the year as a senior. He also won a high school state championship in 2011 and was later named Pitcher of the Decade in South Carolina by Diamond Prospects.[1]

College career

[edit]

Montgomery attended the University of South Carolina and played college baseball for the South Carolina Gamecocks.[2] He was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week on April 9, 2012 and a Freshman All-American.[3] He received the nickname "Gumby" in college from a teammate due to his long limbs and lack of coordination.[4][5]

Professional career

[edit]

Draft and minor leagues

[edit]
Montgomery with the Tampa Yankees in 2015

The New York Yankees selected Montgomery in the fourth round, with the 122nd overall selection, of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft.[3] He signed with the Yankees, receiving a $424,000 signing bonus. He pitched for the Gulf Coast Yankees of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and the Staten Island Yankees of the Low–A New York–Penn League, pitching to a 1–1 win–loss record with a 3.79 earned run average (ERA) in 19 innings pitched, as the Yankees limited his workload after the college season.[1] In 2015, he began the season with for the Charleston RiverDogs of the Single–A South Atlantic League.[6][7] The Yankees promoted him to the Tampa Yankees of the High–A Florida State League in June.[8]

Montgomery began the 2016 season with the Trenton Thunder of the Double–A Eastern League[9] and was promoted to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders of the Triple–A International League in August.[10] He pitched in the Triple-A National Championship Game, earning the win.[11]

Montgomery received a non-roster invitation to spring training in 2017,[12] and competed for a job in their Opening Day starting rotation.[13]

New York Yankees (2017–2022)

[edit]

After starting the season at Triple-A for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees promoted Montgomery to the major leagues on April 12, 2017.[14][15] In his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays, Montgomery received a no-decision as he allowed three runs (two earned) in 4+2⁄3 innings, striking out seven.[16] On April 17, in his second major league start, Montgomery earned his first major league win against the Chicago White Sox.[17] On June 9 against the Baltimore Orioles, Montgomery pitched a career-high seven innings and struck out a career-high eight batters.[18] Montgomery tied those same career highs in a June 26 start against the White Sox.[19] Prior to the All-Star Break, Montgomery pitched to a 3.65 ERA, striking out 87 batters in 91+1⁄3 innings.[20] On July 25, against the Cincinnati Reds, Montgomery took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Scott Schebler hit a double to break up the bid.[21] On August 6, he was optioned to Triple-A.[22] He was recalled on August 11 after CC Sabathia suffered a knee injury.[23] On August 12, Montgomery was struck in the head by an errant foul ball during batting practice while signing autographs prior to the game;[24] he was not seriously hurt.[25] In 29 starts in 2017, Montgomery finished with a 9–7 record and a 3.88 ERA.[26]

On May 1, 2018, Montgomery left a game against the Houston Astros after one inning due to elbow tightness. He went on the disabled list the next day with a flexor strain and he would miss six to eight weeks.[27] However, on June 5, it was announced that Montgomery tore his ulnar collateral ligament while throwing on flat ground during rehab a few days prior and would undergo Tommy John surgery, ending his season.[28] In six starts in 2018, Montgomery finished with a 2–0 record and a 3.62 ERA.[29]

Montgomery started the 2019 season on the 60-day injured list while still recovering from the previous season's surgery. He returned to the Yankees on September 15.[30] In 2020, Montgomery pitched to a 5.11 ERA with 47 strikeouts in 44 innings pitched, while on defense he led all AL pitchers in errors, with three.[31] In 2021, Montgomery had a 6–7 record and 3.83 ERA in 157+1⁄3 innings.[32][33]

St. Louis Cardinals (2022–2023)

[edit]
Montgomery with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022

The Yankees traded Montgomery to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Harrison Bader and a player to be named later or cash considerations on August 2, 2022.[34] He made his Cardinal debut on August 6, throwing five scoreless innings before being taken out due to cramping caused by dehydration, versus the Yankees in a 1–0 win for the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.[35] On August 22, 2022, Montgomery pitched his first complete game in the major leagues, a one-hit, 99-pitch Maddux against the Chicago Cubs.[36] He finished the 2022 season with a 9–6 record and a 3.48 ERA in 32 games started.[37] Montgomery pitched in relief for the Cardinals in Game 2 of the 2022 NL Wild Card Series as the Philadelphia Phillies swept the Cardinals, two games to none.[38]

On January 13, 2023, Montgomery agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Cardinals, avoiding salary arbitration.[39] He had a 6–9 record and a 3.42 ERA in 21 starts for the Cardinals in 2023.[37]

Texas Rangers (2023)

[edit]

On July 30, 2023, the Cardinals traded Montgomery and Chris Stratton to the Texas Rangers in exchange for John King, Tekoah Roby, and Thomas Saggese.[40] He wore uniform number 52 to honor former teammate CC Sabathia.[41] Montgomery started 11 games for the Rangers, pitching to a 2.79 ERA.[42] For the regular season, Montgomery set career-highs with 10 wins, a 3.20 ERA, 166 strikeouts, and 188+2⁄3 innings pitched.[43]

The Rangers made the 2023 MLB postseason and Montgomery started Game 1 of the 2023 American League Wild Card Series.[44] Montgomery earned the win, pitching seven scoreless innings as Texas defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-0.[45] Montgomery also started Game Two of the 2023 American League Division Series; he pitched four innings and did not receive a decision in the Rangers' 11-8 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.[46] In the 2023 American League Championship Series, Montgomery appeared in three games and earned two victories as the Rangers defeated the Houston Astros, four games to three. He started Game One against Astros starter Justin Verlander and pitched 6 1/3 shutout innings, earning a 2-0 win.[47] Montgomery also started Game Five of the 2023 ALCS; he hurled 5 1/3 innings, gave up two earned runs, and did not receive a decision in the Rangers' 5-4 loss.[48] In Game Seven, Montgomery pitched 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief and earned the win in the Rangers' series-clinching 11-4 victory.[49]

The Rangers faced the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2023 World Series. Montgomery started Game Two and took the loss, giving up four earned runs in six innings; the Diamondbacks won the game, 9-1.[50] On November 1, the Rangers won the 2023 World Series, defeating the Diamondbacks four games to one. This was the first World Series championship of Montgomery's career and the first World Series victory in Rangers franchise history.[51] Montgomery had a 2.90 ERA in 31 innings in the postseason.[52]

Arizona Diamondbacks (2024–2025)

[edit]

On March 29, 2024, two days before Opening Day, Montgomery signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks that included a $20 million vesting player option for the 2025 season.[53] Without any spring training action, he was optioned to Triple–A Reno Aces to begin the season. On April 11, Montgomery fired his agent Scott Boras[54] and later stated that Boras "butchered" his free agency.[55]

Montgomery was recalled on April 19 and later made his Diamondback debut that same day against the San Francisco Giants, allowed just one run over six innings.[56] On July 2, Montgomery was placed on the 15-day injured list with right knee inflammation. He was reinstated on July 23 and allowed one run over five innings against the Kansas City Royals, earning the win.[57] However, following 19 starts where he accumulated a 6.44 ERA over 95 innings pitched, the Diamondbacks announced on August 23 that Montgomery would move to the bullpen.[58] Montgomery finished the 2024 season with a 6.23 ERA in 25 games (21 starts), and Diamondbacks principal owner Ken Kendrick later stated that signing Montgomery was "a horrible decision".[59]

On March 25, 2025, the Diamondbacks announced that Montgomery would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the entirety of the 2025 season.[60] On July 31, the Diamondbacks traded Montgomery and Shelby Miller to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for a player to be named later.[61]

Texas Rangers (2026–present)

[edit]

On February 13, 2026, Montgomery returned to the Texas Rangers, signing a one-year, $1.25 million contract.[62][63]

Personal life

[edit]

Montgomery has two older brothers.[4] He met his wife, Mckenzie (née Dirr), in 2017 when they were introduced by a teammate of Montgomery's.[64] They married in December 2022.[65] She studied medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina.[66]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jordan Montgomery

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jordan Montgomery (born December 27, 1992) is an American professional baseball pitcher known for his left-handed throwing and batting. A native of , he stands at 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 228 pounds, having been selected by the New York Yankees in the fourth round of the 2014 (MLB) Draft after a standout college career at the . Montgomery's MLB career began with the Yankees in 2017, where he earned Rookie honors after posting a 9-7 record with a 3.88 over 29 starts in his debut season. Over parts of five seasons with New York (2017–2022), he compiled a 22-20 record with a 3.94 and 478 strikeouts in 98 appearances, primarily as a starter, while contributing to multiple postseason runs including the 2017 and . In August 2022, he was traded to the Cardinals, where he finished the year with a combined 9-6 record and 3.48 across 32 starts, logging a career-high 178.1 and 158 strikeouts. Montgomery spent the first half of 2023 with the Cardinals before being traded to the Texas Rangers on July 30, 2023, where he continued as a key rotation member for the remainder of the season, achieving career bests with a combined 10-11 record, 3.20 , and 188.2 innings over 32 starts across both teams, alongside 166 strikeouts. His performance helped propel the Rangers to their first World Series title in franchise history, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games; Montgomery went 0-1 with a 6.00 in one start (Game 2) during the series. Overall in the 2023 postseason, he recorded a 3-1 mark with a 2.90 and 17 strikeouts in six appearances (five starts). Montgomery joined the Arizona Diamondbacks on a one-year, $25 million deal in March , which included a player option for 2025 that he exercised in November ; his season was hampered by inconsistencies and injuries, resulting in an 8-7 record, 6.23 , and 83 strikeouts over 117 in 21 starts (25 appearances). In 2025, he underwent Tommy John surgery in April after an elbow injury, missing the entire season; on July 31, 2025, Arizona traded him (along with reliever ) to the Brewers for a , with no appearances for either team that year. Montgomery elected free agency on November 2, 2025, concluding a career through with a 46-41 record, 4.03 , 788 strikeouts, and 872 across 166 games (161 starts) for five teams.

Early life

Upbringing and family

Jordan Blackmon Montgomery was born on December 27, 1992, in Sumter, South Carolina, to parents Jim and Raury Montgomery. He grew up in Sumter, a historic city of about 40,000 residents with a strong baseball tradition, including the renowned American Legion Post 15 team, which has produced numerous professional players. Montgomery's family encouraged his involvement in sports from a young age, fostering his early interest in through local community programs; he joined the Post 15 team at age 14. His parents provided ongoing support for his athletic development. As a , Montgomery experienced a significant growth spurt, adding six inches during the summer after , which contributed to his lanky frame and later earned him the nickname "Gumby" for resembling the flexible cartoon character. He is also commonly known as "Monty." During middle school, he played basketball, where he developed a reputation as a reliable shooter despite describing himself as at the time.

High school career

Jordan Montgomery attended Sumter High School in , where he graduated in the class of 2011. At Sumter, Montgomery emerged as a standout pitcher for the school's baseball team, the Gamecocks, primarily serving as a . His senior season in 2011 was particularly dominant, as he compiled an 11-0 record with a 0.38 ERA and 114 strikeouts over the year, helping lead Sumter to the Class AAAA state championship. In the championship series, he threw a complete seven-inning in the decisive game, securing the title. For his performance, Montgomery was named the 2011 South Carolina Player of the Year, recognizing him as the top high school baseball player in the state. Montgomery's high school achievements drew attention from college programs, culminating in his commitment to the . He signed a with the Gamecocks in April 2011, joining their team after an early signing period that had been complicated by roster constraints.

College career

University of South Carolina tenure

Jordan Montgomery committed to the as a high school senior in 2011 and enrolled there in 2012, where he played for the under head coach . As a freshman in 2012, Montgomery made 15 appearances with 13 starts, posting a 6-1 record and a 3.62 over 74.2 , during which he recorded 57 strikeouts and just 10 walks. His performance helped the Gamecocks advance to the finals, their third consecutive appearance. In his year of 2013, Montgomery transitioned into the role of the team's , starting all 13 of his appearances with a 6-1 record and an outstanding 1.48 in 79 , striking out 60 batters while issuing 18 walks. He contributed significantly to South Carolina's success in (SEC) play and their advancement to the NCAA super regionals, including a complete-game versus in the Super Regionals. During his junior season in , Montgomery took on a senior-like leadership role in the rotation, going 8-5 with a 3.42 across 16 starts and 100 , amassing 95 strikeouts and 29 walks. His efforts supported the Gamecocks in SEC competition and their participation in the NCAA regionals, which they hosted. Over his three-year college career, Montgomery compiled a 20-7 record with a cumulative around 2.80, demonstrating strong control with a career total of 212 strikeouts against 57 walks in approximately 254 .

Key performances and awards

During his freshman season in 2012, Montgomery earned Freshman All-America honors from Collegiate Baseball after posting a 6-1 record with a 3.62 , 57 strikeouts, and only 10 walks over 74.2 . He also received SEC Freshman of the Week recognition on April 9 for his early-season contributions. He was also named to the 2012 NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team. These performances helped anchor South Carolina's pitching staff en route to the finals, where Montgomery maintained a perfect 2-0 record in postseason play. As a in 2013, Montgomery solidified his role as the Gamecocks' ace, achieving a 6-1 record with a 1.48 across 79 and 60 strikeouts while issuing 18 walks, showcasing exceptional control. He earned preseason honors entering the year and delivered standout outings, including a career-high 11 strikeouts over seven against in the NCAA Regionals and a complete-game versus in the Super Regionals. His efforts contributed to South Carolina's advancement to the Super Regionals, extending the program's streak of NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2014, Montgomery capped his college career with an 8-5 record, a 3.42 , 95 strikeouts, and 100 , earning selection to the NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team. A highlight was his eight scoreless innings against Clemson, allowing three and nine strikeouts to secure a 6-0 victory and the Tom Price Award as the Gamecocks' MVP for the series. He also tied his season-high with nine strikeouts in an eight-inning win over Campbell during the NCAA Regionals, improving to 5-0 lifetime in NCAA Tournament games with a 0.93 . Montgomery's control and consistency drew praise from scouts, who highlighted his low walk rates—such as 10 walks in 74.2 during —as key assets positioning him as a high-potential prospect. Over his three seasons, he compiled a 20-7 record, aiding South Carolina's sustained success in the SEC and multiple NCAA postseason runs.

Professional career

Draft selection and minor leagues

The New York Yankees selected Montgomery in the fourth round, 122nd overall, of the out of the . He signed with the team for a $424,000 bonus, forgoing his senior season. Following the signing, the Yankees assigned him to the Gulf Coast League Yankees 2 for instructional league play before promoting him to the short-season Class A of the New York-Penn League. In his professional debut season of 2014, Montgomery split time between the rookie-level Gulf Coast League and , appearing in 10 games (7 starts) and posting a combined 1-1 record with a 3.79 over 19 innings, striking out 20 batters while walking 6. He primarily worked as a starter, building on his college experience in that role and showing command with a 1.16 across the levels. Montgomery advanced to full-season baseball in 2015, beginning with the Class A of the , where he went 4-3 with a 3.68 in 9 starts over 49.1 . He earned a midseason promotion to the High Class A Tampa Yankees of the on June 1, finishing the year with a combined 10-8 record, 2.95 , and 132 strikeouts in 134.1 across 25 starts, leading the Yankees' system in strikeouts. His performance highlighted improved endurance and control, with just 36 walks issued. Continuing his rapid ascent in 2016, Montgomery opened at Double-A Trenton Thunder of the Eastern League, going 9-2 with a 2.20 in 14 starts before a late-July promotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders of the . Overall, he compiled a 14-5 record with a 2.13 —ninth-best among all minor leaguers—in 25 starts totaling 139.1 innings, with 134 strikeouts and 45 walks, demonstrating readiness for the major leagues through consistent quality starts and a ground-ball heavy approach.

New York Yankees (2017–2022)

Jordan Montgomery made his debut with the New York Yankees on April 12, 2017, starting against the at , where he pitched 4.2 innings, allowing two earned runs while striking out seven. In his rookie season, Montgomery established himself as a reliable starter in the Yankees' rotation, posting a 9-7 record with a 3.88 over 29 starts and 155.1 , during which he recorded 144 strikeouts and contributed to the team's East-winning campaign that advanced to the . His performance highlighted his potential as a left-handed starter, blending control with a diverse pitch mix to anchor the back end of the rotation amid injuries to other pitchers. Entering 2018, Montgomery built on his rookie success with a strong start, going 2-0 with a 3.95 in six starts and 27.1 before suffering a torn in his left elbow, which necessitated surgery on June 7, performed by Yankees team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season and much of the following year, marking a significant setback in what had been a promising trajectory. Despite the absence, the Yankees reached the again, underscoring the depth of their pitching staff. Montgomery returned to the majors in September 2019 after rehabilitation, making two appearances (one start) with a 6.75 over 4.0 , providing brief relief in the Yankees' push to the . In the shortened season, he rebounded with a 2-3 record and 5.11 across 10 starts and 44.0 , helping the Yankees secure a playoff spot despite the challenges of the COVID-19-impacted schedule. By , he solidified his role with a career-high 30 starts, finishing 6-7 with a 3.83 , 157.1 , and 162 strikeouts, contributing to another division title and Wild Card Game appearance. His consistent outings in 2021 demonstrated full recovery from , emphasizing improved command and in high-pressure games. In 2022, Montgomery continued as a key rotation member, recording a 3-3 mark with a 3.69 in 21 starts and 114.2 before the August 2 trade deadline, when the Yankees acquired outfielder from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for him. Over his six seasons with the Yankees, Montgomery compiled a 22-20 record with a 3.94 in 98 appearances (95 starts), amassing 478 strikeouts across 592.1 , while appearing in five postseason runs that highlighted his value in the team's competitive core.

St. Louis Cardinals (2022–2023)

On August 2, 2022, the St. Louis Cardinals acquired left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery from the New York Yankees in exchange for , bolstering their rotation ahead of a playoff push. Montgomery quickly adapted to his new team, delivering consistent performances that helped solidify the Cardinals' pitching staff alongside veterans like and . In 11 starts after the trade, he compiled a 5-3 record with a 3.11 over 66 , striking out 58 batters while limiting opponents to a .228 . His steady command and ability to induce ground balls provided stability during a late-season stretch where the Cardinals clinched the title. Montgomery appeared in relief during the Cardinals' 2022 National League Wild Card Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, though the team was swept in two games. Following the season, he agreed to a one-year, $13.5 million with the Cardinals for 2023, positioning him as a of the entering the year. In 2023, Montgomery emerged as one of the Cardinals' most reliable starters early in the season, posting a 6-9 record with a 3.42 across 21 starts and 121 before being traded on July 30. He ranked among the National League leaders in at that point, with 108 strikeouts and a career-best 1.25 , contributing significantly to a staff that leaned on experienced arms amid injuries and inconsistencies elsewhere. Upon completing his , Montgomery entered free agency after the 2023 season, opting not to pursue a potential return to St. Louis.

Texas Rangers (2023)

On July 30, 2023, the Texas Rangers acquired Montgomery from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade deadline deal, receiving him along with reliever Chris Stratton in exchange for right-handed pitcher Tekoah Roby, left-handed pitcher John King, and shortstop Thomas Saggese. The move bolstered the Rangers' rotation as they pursued a playoff spot in the American League West, with Montgomery providing a reliable left-handed starter amid injuries to key pitchers like Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. Following the trade, Montgomery integrated seamlessly into the Rangers' lineup, making 11 starts over the remainder of the regular season and posting a 4-2 record with a 2.79 , 67.2 , and 58 strikeouts. His command improved post-trade, allowing just 21 earned runs while limiting opponents to a .240 , which helped stabilize the rotation during a crucial late-season push that clinched the AL West title. This performance marked a strong rebound for Montgomery after an inconsistent stint with the Cardinals earlier in the year. Montgomery's impact peaked in the postseason, where he went 3-1 with a 2.90 across six appearances, including five starts, logging 31 and 17 strikeouts en route to the Rangers' first championship. Notable outings included a scoreless 6⅓ in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Houston Astros, contributing to a 2-0 victory, a start and win in Game 2 of the , and a in Game 4 of the against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he allowed one run over six to help secure a 1-0 series lead. His steady presence in high-stakes games earned him a as part of the triumphant Rangers squad.

Arizona Diamondbacks (2024–2025)

Jordan Montgomery signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 29, 2024, just days before the start of the regular season, following a successful stint with the Texas Rangers in the that delayed his free agency decision. The deal included a conditional player option for 2025, vesting at $20 million after 10 starts and increasing to $22.5 million after 18 starts. In his lone full season with , Montgomery posted mixed results as a starter in the rotation, recording an 8-7 win-loss mark with a 6.23 over 25 appearances (21 starts) and 117 . He struck out 83 batters while issuing 44 walks, but struggled with command and home runs allowed, contributing to the team's inconsistent rotation performance amid their 89-win campaign that ended in a sweep by the Brewers. Despite the challenges, Montgomery provided depth to a pitching staff navigating injuries. On November 1, 2024, Montgomery exercised his $22.5 million player option for 2025, securing his return to after meeting the vesting criteria during the season. However, his season was derailed before it began; on March 25, 2025, he underwent his second surgery to repair his left elbow's , performed by Dr. Keith Meister, which sidelined him for the entire year. Amid his recovery, the Diamondbacks traded Montgomery to the Milwaukee Brewers on July 31, 2025, primarily as a relief move while he remained on the , in exchange for a or cash considerations. Over his tenure with spanning 2024 and the early 2025 offseason, Montgomery's overall statistics reflected a 8-7 record, 6.23 ERA, and 83 strikeouts in 117 innings, underscoring his role as a mid-rotation lefty hampered by inconsistency and eventual injury.

Milwaukee Brewers (2025)

On July 31, 2025, the Diamondbacks traded left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery and right-handed reliever to the Brewers in exchange for considerations, as part of a salary relief move for . The Brewers, who held the best record in at the time, absorbed approximately $7.5 million of Montgomery's remaining $22.5 million contract for the 2025 season, viewing the acquisition as a low-risk addition to their pitching depth for potential future contributions. Montgomery, who had undergone his second Tommy John surgery on March 25, 2025, shortly after the start of the season with the Diamondbacks, did not appear in any games for due to his ongoing rehabilitation. The trade occurred amid his recovery from the elbow procedure, which sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, and he focused on rehab milestones without integrating into the Brewers' active roster. In September 2025, Montgomery visited the Brewers' facilities in to connect with the team and staff during his recovery process. Montgomery's brief tenure with the Brewers concluded when he elected free agency on November 2, 2025, following the completion of the 2025 regular season and the expiration of his one-year contract. This decision allowed him to enter the open market as a 33-year-old left-hander, with projections indicating a potential return to pitching in the second half of the 2026 season, depending on the progress of his recovery, which typically spans 12 to 18 months.

Playing style and injuries

Pitching repertoire and mechanics

Jordan Montgomery, standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, employs an over-the-top arm slot in his delivery, which contributes to and effective movement on his pitches, allowing him to generate above-average tumble on his breaking balls. His emphasize , a trait uncommon among pitchers of his height, enabling him to consistently pound the and limit free passes, with a career walk rate of 2.59 BB/9. In , Montgomery made adjustments to his posture, including a higher hand preset and improved stacking of his upper body over his at peak leg lift, which helped optimize generation from his frame. Montgomery's primary pitches form a balanced arsenal centered on inducing weak contact, with a career ground-ball rate of 43.4%. His , typically ranging from 91 to 94 mph, serves as an elevated offering to set up his off-speed pitches, while his sinker (around 90-93 mph) has become a staple for ground-ball tendencies, used at 30.9% over his career and peaking at 44.8% in 2023 to enhance command against right-handed batters. The slider, his occasional out pitch with low career usage of 1.8%, provides lateral break but has been de-emphasized in favor of other options. Complementing his fastballs, Montgomery relies heavily on his (78 mph, 30.7% usage) and (83 mph, 19.3% usage), both of which generate significant whiffs and weak contact through sharp downward movement and arm-side fade, respectively. These off-speed pitches, thrown with similar arm speed to his fastball, exploit his control to keep hitters off-balance and limit hard contact. Over his career, Montgomery's has evolved, starting at 92.1 mph on his in his 2017 season before dipping post-Tommy John surgery in 2018; however, mechanical refinements post-surgery improved his release extension from 5.86 feet to 6.35 feet, allowing him to touch 94 mph by 2020. Further tweaks in 2023 and 2024 focused on refining his sinker command and pitch sequencing, though velocity averaged lower at 92.1 mph in 2024 amid usage shifts toward more curveballs and changeups for better zone efficiency. These adjustments underscore his adaptability, prioritizing precision and contact management over raw speed.

Major injuries throughout career

Jordan Montgomery's first major injury occurred during the 2018 season with the New York Yankees, when he was diagnosed with a torn in his left elbow, necessitating surgery on June 7, 2018, performed by Dr. Christopher Ahmad. This procedure sidelined him for the remainder of 2018 and the entire 2019 season, with his recovery spanning approximately 15 months; he made his return to the majors on September 15, 2019, making three starts before the end of that year. The injury stemmed from an initial flexor strain in May 2018 that placed him on the 10-day , highlighting ongoing elbow concerns that ultimately required the ligament reconstruction. Throughout his career, Montgomery has dealt with several minor ailments that affected his availability, though none as severe as his procedures. In the prior to his 2017 debut, he experienced routine issues common to developing pitchers, such as occasional arm soreness, but these did not result in extended absences. During the 2022 season, split between the Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals, he exited a start on August 6 due to cramps in his left leg, marking a brief interruption in an otherwise durable campaign where he logged a career-high 178.1 . Additionally, in 2024 with the Diamondbacks, he was placed on the 15-day on July 2 with right knee inflammation, missing about three weeks before returning. On March 25, 2025, Montgomery announced that he would undergo a second surgery for a left elbow tear, performed by Dr. Keith Meister in early April 2025. The injury developed during preparations, where he noted arm discomfort after pushing too hard in sessions, leading to the season-ending procedure; he missed the entire 2025 season and is expected to miss the first half of 2026, following a standard 12-18 month recovery timeline. As of September 2025, Montgomery was in rehabilitation and visited the Brewers organization; he elected free agency on November 2, 2025. These injuries have significantly impacted Montgomery's career trajectory, resulting in lost development time during critical early years—particularly the 2018-2019 period, when he could have solidified his role in the Yankees' rotation—and necessitating adjustments to his pitching approach. Post-2018 , his velocity experienced a slight dip upon return, averaging around 91.9 mph in limited 2019 action compared to 92.0 mph in 2017, though it stabilized in subsequent seasons. Leading into the 2025 , his velocity had declined further to 91.8 mph on his sinker in 2024 from 93.3 mph in 2023, contributing to performance inconsistencies before the issue fully surfaced.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Jordan Montgomery met McKenzie Dirr in late 2017, shortly after his major league debut season with the New York Yankees, through an introduction by a mutual friend. The couple announced their engagement in September 2021. They married in December 2022 in during Montgomery's offseason. McKenzie Dirr Montgomery is a dermatologist who earned her medical degree from the College of Medicine and completed her preliminary in at the Harvard-affiliated . In the fall of 2023, she began her preliminary year at the -area hospital, a factor that influenced Montgomery's free agency decisions that offseason, positioning the Boston Red Sox as a logical destination due to the couple's relocation to the city. As of 2025, she is pursuing her residency at in . As of 2025, the Montgomerys have no children. McKenzie has been a steadfast source of support for Jordan throughout his career transitions, including trades and free agency moves, as well as during injury recoveries and playoff runs, such as the .

Philanthropy and interests

Jordan Montgomery has maintained a relatively low public profile regarding his philanthropic endeavors, focusing on targeted contributions to causes supporting relief and family support services. In 2020, during the early stages of the , he donated to the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina's Relief & Recovery Fund, which provided assistance to individuals and organizations affected by the crisis in his home state. More recently, in September 2025, while rehabilitating from surgery in , Montgomery and his wife made a donation to the local chapter of , an organization that offers housing and support for families of seriously ill children undergoing treatment. This act aligned with his occasional involvement in baseball-related community visits, such as stopping by the Brewers' facilities to connect with teammates during his recovery period. Outside of his professional baseball , Montgomery leads a private with shared about personal hobbies or non-charitable interests, emphasizing a quiet lifestyle centered on family and recovery activities.

References

  1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/montgjo01.shtml
  2. https://www.mlb.com/player/jordan-montgomery-656756
  3. https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/38173/jordan-montgomery
  4. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/168172/
  5. https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/jordan-montgomery-stats-with-yankees
  6. https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/jordan-montgomery-656756
  7. https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/jordan-montgomery-career-postseason-stats
  8. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/jordan-montgomery-was-a-playoff-hero-it-will-pay-off-for-him-in-free-agency
  9. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42135791/diamondbacks-jordan-montgomery-exercises-225-million-option
  10. https://www.mlb.com/news/brewers-trade-for-jordan-montgomery-shelby-miller
  11. https://www.azsnakepit.com/arizona-diamondbacks-analysis-amp-commentary/85995/2025-diamondbacks-player-reviews-68-jordan-montgomery
  12. https://gamecocksonline.com/sports/baseball/roster/player/jordan-montgomery/
  13. https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-magazine-jordan-montgomery
  14. http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-baseball/article144214959.html
  15. https://nypost.com/2017/04/16/jordan-montgomery-on-journey-to-majors-and-why-hes-called-gumby/
  16. https://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=286655
  17. https://247sports.com/player/jordan-montgomery-10491/
  18. https://www.maxpreps.com/sc/sumter/sumter-gamecocks/athletes/jordan-montgomery/?careerid=5b21mv4rj2ij3
  19. https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/article18146669.html
  20. https://www.theitem.com/stories/montgomery-to-get-start-for-usc%2C10842?
  21. https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/7402-jordan-montgomery/
  22. https://www.fitsnews.com/2013/06/09/jordan-montgomery-blanks-tar-heels/
  23. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/stats_college/2014~20091/
  24. https://www.live5news.com/story/18721887/gamecocks-greiner-montgomery-earn-freshman-all-america-honors/
  25. https://www.wrhi.com/2012/04/usc-pitcher-jordan-montgomery-honored-by-the-sec-38245
  26. https://vucommodores.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/9856__m_basebl_2012_13_release__release_20130502aaa_scar.pdf
  27. https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/sports/college/2013/06/02/south-carolina-pummels-liberty/14452375007/
  28. https://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2014-05-30/gamecocks-win-28th-consecutive-home-tournament-game-defeat-campbell
  29. https://gamecocksonline.com/news/2018/03/05/catching-up-with-jordan-montgomery/
  30. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Jordan_Montgomery
  31. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=montgo000jor
  32. https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-montgomery-to-have-tommy-john-surgery-c279904758
  33. https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jordan-montgomery/16511/stats?position=P
  34. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34336880/sources-new-york-yankees-acquire-harrison-bader-send-jordan-montgomery-st-louis-cardinals
  35. https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/jordan-montgomery-stats-as-a-yankee
  36. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/cardinals-acquire-jordan-montgomery
  37. https://www.scoopswithdannymac.com/bernies-redbird-report-jordan-montgomery-made-a-strong-first-impression-in-2022-but-what-does-the-future-look-like/
  38. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2022.shtml
  39. https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2022_NLWC2.shtml
  40. https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/player/_/id/21715/jordan-montgomery
  41. https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-trade-for-jordan-montgomery
  42. https://www.mlb.com/news/cardinals-jordan-montgomery-possible-reunion-in-2024
  43. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38102567/sources-rangers-trade-jordan-montgomery-chris-stratton
  44. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4733932/2023/07/30/jordan-montgomery-rangers-cardinals-trade/
  45. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38669970/jordan-montgomery-leads-rangers-astros-alcs-opener
  46. https://www.mlb.com/rangers/video/top-postseason-performers-8
  47. https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-montgomery-d-backs-deal
  48. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/41552657/d-backs-owner-blames-self-horrible-jordan-montgomery-add
  49. https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-montgomery-exercises-2025-player-option-with-d-backs
  50. https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/jordan-montgomery-2024-stats
  51. https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/jordan-montgomery/48675/stats
  52. https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-montgomery-tommy-john-surgery
  53. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44403264/diamondbacks-lhp-jordan-montgomery-tommy-john-surgery
  54. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45874515/brewers-acquire-shelby-miller-jordan-montgomery-diamondbacks
  55. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/d-backs-trade-shelby-miller-and-jordan-montgomery-to-brewers-for-player-to-be-named-or-cash-considerations
  56. https://www.azsnakepit.com/2025/7/31/24478572/shelby-miller-and-jordan-montgomery-traded-to-brewers-report
  57. https://www.brewcrewball.com/2025/7/31/24478574/brewers-acquire-rhp-shelby-miller-rhp-jordan-montgomery-from-diamondbacks
  58. https://reviewingthebrew.com/2-brewers-who-just-became-free-agents-following-official-completion-of-2025-season-01k90xv1xz8y
  59. https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-montgomery-visits-with-brewers-during-tommy-john-rehab
  60. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/diamondbacks-jordan-montgomery-headed-for-tommy-john-surgery-just-days-after-losing-no-5-starter-spot/
  61. https://prospects365.com/2020/08/12/i-am-excited-about-jordan-montgomery/
  62. https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/2017/yankees/jordan-montgomery-656756
  63. https://www.pinstripealley.com/2022/4/18/23027919/yankees-pitching-mechanics-jordan-montgomery
  64. https://www.brooksbaseball.net/landing.php?player=656756
  65. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2023/07/31/what-are-the-rangers-getting-in-pitcher-jordan-montgomery/
  66. https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-montgomery-reliable-free-agent-starting-pitcher
  67. https://www.pinstripealley.com/2020/3/12/21176020/yankees-pitching-jordan-montgomery-fastball-velocity-breaking-stuff
  68. https://gophnx.com/analyzing-jordan-montgomery-slow-start-diamondbacks/
  69. https://www.mlb.com/news/dellin-betances-jordan-montgomery-return-for-yankees
  70. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23386307/new-york-yankees-left-hander-jordan-montgomery-10-day-dl-elbow-strain
  71. https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/jordan-montgomery-player-injuries
  72. https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-montgomery-to-undergo-tommy-john-surgery
  73. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/jordan-montgomery-may-be-done-as-a-diamondback-but-brandon-pfaadt-is-sticking-around/
  74. https://www.essentiallysports.com/mlb-baseball-news-meet-dr-mckenzie-dirr-wife-of-twenty-twenty-three-world-series-champion-jordan-montgomery/
  75. https://nypost.com/2022/08/04/jordan-montgomerys-fiancee-posts-yankees-engagement-pics-before-trade/
  76. https://web.musc.edu/about/news-center/2023/05/16/home-run-dermatologist
  77. https://dermatology.vumc.org/residents-directory
  78. https://www.nj.com/yankees/2023/11/ex-yankees-pitcher-and-free-agent-target-moves-to-boston.html
  79. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/checking-in-on-the-boras-four/
  80. https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-rangers-pitcher-jordan-montgomery-marrying-doctor
  81. https://nypost.com/2020/04/20/yankees-jordan-montgomery-more-optimistic-season-will-happen/
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