Mariners listed as trade destination for player Jerry Dipoto would never acquire

As the Seattle Mariners' starting rotation currently stands, it’s all right-handers: George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo — not to mention, Emerson Hancock was a sixth starter in 2024. But that doesn't mean Jerry Dipoto should just acquire any left-hander.

Nick Deeds of MLB Trade Rumors listed potential matches for a Jordan Montgomery trade. The Mariners were listed as a “Next Tier Down” team after the Athletics, Braves, and White Sox were considered the “Best Fits." Deeds mentioned Seattle as a “somewhat unusual fit,” but did so because of the trade rumors surrounding Castillo.

Montgomery has been a solid pitcher for the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, and Texas Rangers. However, his first season with the Arizona Diamondbacks last year was a disaster. In 2024, Montgomery finished with a -1.4 bWAR while surrendering a career-high 6.23 ERA, 81 earned runs, and 67 ERA+.

Not only was the on-field production a massive concern, but off-the-field comments by both Montgomery and the Diamondbacks front office raised red flags. 

Montgomery publicly criticized his agent, Scott Boras, for handling his free agency last offseason, saying that Boras “kind of butchered it” after Montgomery was moved to the bullpen last August. Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick stated that the Montgomery signing was a “horrible decision to have invested that money in a guy that performed as poorly as he did.” Yikes.

While Montgomery would bring a left-handed option into the starting rotation, trading for the veteran southpaw is silly. Not only would he be a downgrade from the current Mariners starters, but Seattle would have to inherit a problematic salary, as Monty is making $22.5 million in 2025.

Additionally, trading for a pitcher is not the direction the Mariners should take, as Seattle needs offense in the worst way to make the playoffs after last season. 

The Mariners have various concerns going into 2025, but the starting rotation is the strength of this team. It would be redundant to trade a pitcher such as Castillo only to re-acquire another pitcher in Montgomery.

Even though Montgomery has a solid career track record, it's a risk not worth taking given the price tag and his most recent performance after becoming a free agent.