Could the Miami Marlins capitalize on a trade for former ace Jordan Montgomery?

The Miami Marlins currently need to invest over $20 million this offseason to cross the 150% of the money they've collected through shared revenue. Operating under their normal, small-market tendencies could leave the franchise open to a grievance by the MLBPA.

No reports have emerged that the Marlins have shown interest in any notable free agents this offseason. This begs the question: How will Miami add to their payroll? Perhaps the clubs could get creative and boost their rebuild by taking on a bad contract in a trade with another club.

Why would the Diamondbacks make the trade?

The Arizona Diamondbacks owner publicly lamented his club's signing of 2023 free agent Jordan Montogmery, and openly stated his intention to trade the former ace. This type of criticism, which is rare for an owner, drains any leverage Arizona might have in trade talks.

The Marlins would be wise to inquire about Montgomery. If the franchise is indeed dead-set on moving the veteran pitcher, the cost could be low. The Diamondbacks recently committed a massive contract to ace Corbin Burnes. Moving Monty would allow them to reinvest funds to continue building what they hope will be a serious postseason contender.

The Diamondbacks also seem to need depth in their bullpen. If Miami offered a piece like Andrew Nardi or Anthony Bender, it could be enough to land the former World Series champion.

Why would the Marlins make the trade?

To begin, Montgomery is owed $22.5 million in 2025, which is the final year of his deal. A deal like this would free up Arizona's payroll while also adding what the Marlins need to avoid future financial penalties.

Additionally, adding a player like Montgomery would give Peter Bendix another interesting trade chip. The starter struggled mightily during his first season in Arizona. Montgomery posted an abysmal 6.23 ERA and -1.4 WAR across 117 innings.

However, the veteran has been a stable and reliable pitcher throughout the rest of his eight-year MLB tenure. He has four seasons in which he has pitched 150+ innings with a sub-3.90 ERA.

Montgomery, who expected to land a multi-year contract during his 2023 free agency, was forced to settle on a short contract late in the free agency period. Because he did not join the DBacks until late March, he missed a formal Spring Training and ramp-up period.

Ultimately, some combination of being thrust into the season, firing his agent, and struggling with both performance and injuries lead to his eventual transition to the bullpen. It was a clear disaster.

However, the evidence suggests that the 32-year-old is poised for a bounce-back season. If he were to land in Miami's pitcher-friendly system, it would increase the likelihood that he would reestablish himself as a valuable rotation piece.

Worst case scenario, Monty could eat innings for the 2025 club, while serving as a valuable mentor to the club's younger players. If things go well, Miami could easily flip him at the 2025 trade deadline to recoup some minor-league talent.

The salaries allign. The move would seemingly benefit both franchises. And we know the Marlins and Diamondbacks have a working relationship after swinging the AJ Puk for Deyvison De Los Santos last season.