Here’s the lone silver lining for Red Sox missing out on Jordan Montgomery.

On the night of March 26, months of conjecture regarding reigning World Series winner Jordan Montgomery’s 2024 fate came to a conclusion.

The southpaw signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, not the Boston Red Sox. Montgomery had previously sought a long-term contract, but he was unable to find a team prepared to match his offer.

Many of Scott Boras’ other clients settled for less than they had planned to sign for, and Montgomery predicted this outcome for himself in the weeks leading up to his signing. If the star was going to sign a short-term contract in 2024, he wanted to play for a contender. Signing with the team he faced in the World Series just months ago seemed to fulfil that goal. A agreement with the Red Sox would not have provided the same security.

However, all hope is not lost for Boston. Sox supporters and the organisation are aware that 2024 will not be Boston’s year, but the team has performed better than expected in Spring Training. The regular season is a different beast, but if the Red Sox can carry their spring training success into the season, they could be contenders next year.

Montgomery could become a free agent again next season if he chooses to opt out of his deal with Arizona (which he most likely will). If the Snakes can make another long postseason run with Monty at the helm, he will have once again positioned himself well for free agency bidding. The only way he does not opt out is if he has a poor performance/injury-filled season and must reestablish his worth in 2025.