Jordan Montgomery, who fans call “Gumby” or “Monty,” has carved out a spot as a valuable pitcher in Major League Baseball. The lefty starter has shown steady consistency on the mound and built his reputation with several teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks. Right now, he’s on the 60-day injured list.
Jordan Montgomery’s net worth sits somewhere between $2 million and $4 million, and his most recent contract was a one-year, $10 million deal with the Cardinals in January 2023 to avoid salary arbitration. That contract bumped his career earnings to over $20 million, which really shows how much teams value him as a reliable starting pitcher.
Montgomery’s career journey stands out for its steady performance. He kept a solid 3.42 ERA with the Cardinals before moving to Arizona. His pitching style and durability have made him a sought-after talent, and teams have shown they’re willing to invest a lot to get him on their roster.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Jordan Montgomery’s path to baseball stardom started well before he made it to the major leagues. Those early years, both at home and in amateur baseball, set the stage for the pitcher he would become.
Childhood and Family Background
Jordan Blackmon Montgomery was born on December 27, 1992, in Sumter, South Carolina. He grew up in a supportive family, and his early love for baseball got a big boost from his dad, Jim Montgomery. Jim spent plenty of time practicing with him in the backyard.
Growing up in South Carolina, a place with deep baseball roots, Montgomery got into the sport pretty early. His height—he’d reach 6’6″—gave him a physical edge that definitely helped his pitching later on.
People started calling him “Gumby” when he was young because of his lanky frame and flexibility. That nickname followed him into his pro career.
High School and Collegiate Achievements
Montgomery went to Sumter High School and quickly made a name for himself as a standout pitcher. He put up impressive stats and started catching the eye of college scouts. He earned All-State honors and helped lead his team to regional wins.
After high school, he picked the University of South Carolina and joined the Gamecocks baseball program. His college career was impressive:
- 2012: Helped the Gamecocks reach the College World Series final.
- 2013: Put up a 1.48 ERA and became the team’s ace.
- 2014: Made First Team All-SEC, marking himself as one of college baseball’s best pitchers.
He kept working on his pitching during summer leagues, fine-tuning the command and control that would become his trademarks.
Entry Into Professional Baseball
The New York Yankees saw his potential and picked him in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB Draft. He signed with them and jumped right into their minor league system.
Montgomery moved through the minor leagues at a steady clip. He kept getting better at each stop:
Year | Level | Notable Performance |
---|---|---|
2014 | Rookie | First taste of pro ball |
2015 | A/A+ | Improved his changeup |
2016 | AA/AAA | 2.13 ERA across two levels |
The Yankees invited him to spring training in 2017. He impressed the staff with his poise and command, earning a spot in the Yankees’ starting rotation without needing more time in the minors.
Montgomery’s rise from South Carolina ball fields to the pros shows off a mix of natural talent, hard work, and steady growth—pretty much what you want to see in a successful MLB career.
Professional Career Trajectory
Jordan Montgomery’s baseball story is really about resilience and being able to adapt. He’s pitched for several MLB teams, and his style—precise and consistent—has made him a real asset wherever he’s landed.
New York Yankees Era
Montgomery kicked off his MLB career with the New York Yankees after they grabbed him in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. He debuted on April 12, 2017, and wasted no time showing he belonged. That rookie season, he went 9-7 with a 3.88 ERA in 155.1 innings.
His time with the Yankees hit a rough patch when he had Tommy John surgery in June 2018. That injury kept him out for most of 2018 and 2019, and it really tested his resolve.
Montgomery bounced back during the shortened 2020 season and showed off his usual command. By 2021, he was back as a reliable rotation piece, making 30 starts and throwing 157.1 innings with a 3.83 ERA.
St. Louis Cardinals Transition
At the 2022 trade deadline, the Yankees sent Montgomery to the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder Harrison Bader. The move surprised a lot of Yankees fans and baseball writers.
Montgomery settled in quickly with the Cardinals and put up a 3.11 ERA in his first 11 starts. He adapted well to a new team and pitching philosophy, showing how smart and versatile he is.
In January 2023, Montgomery and the Cardinals avoided arbitration and agreed on a one-year, $10 million contract. He kept pitching well in 2023, finishing with a 6-9 record and a 3.42 ERA before getting traded again.
His time with the Cardinals wasn’t long, but he proved he could perform wherever he landed.
Trades and Transactions
Montgomery’s career has taken a few sharp turns. The Yankees-Cardinals trade in 2022 happened because the Yankees needed outfield defense, and the Cardinals needed a starter after injuries to Steven Matz and Jack Flaherty.
In 2023, the Cardinals traded him to the Texas Rangers at the deadline. He played a big role in their World Series run, and those postseason performances really raised his profile.
After that, Montgomery hit free agency and signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks for 2024. That deal reflected just how much his World Series run boosted his value.
These moves show how Montgomery’s consistency and reliability have made him a top trade asset and a target for teams looking for playoff-ready pitching.
Impact on Teams and Teammates
Montgomery’s teammates often mention his work ethic and professionalism. Luis Severino, his former Yankees teammate, even said Montgomery helped him fine-tune his changeup grip.
He’s known for his calm on the mound, which is why people call him “Gumby.” That cool-headedness was huge during the Rangers’ 2023 World Series run, where he delivered when it mattered.
Montgomery’s willingness to adjust his pitching approach has made him successful in different organizations. Coaches appreciate that kind of flexibility.
His net worth is estimated between $2-4 million, though his total career earnings are closer to $67.9 million. That’s a testament to how valuable he’s been to every team he’s played for.
Contract History and Salary Details
Jordan Montgomery’s financial path in MLB really tracks his growth as a pitcher. His earnings changed a lot as he moved through different contracts and teams.
Initial Contracts and Rookie Deals
Montgomery started his MLB career with the Yankees, who picked him in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. In his rookie year (2017), he earned close to the league minimum, which is pretty standard for first-year players.
During his early years with the Yankees, Montgomery worked under pre-arbitration salaries. These contracts are usually just above the league minimum, and young players don’t have much negotiating power.
Even though the Yankees valued him, his earning power stayed limited until he really established himself.
Arbitration and Free Agency
Once Montgomery got more service time, he entered the arbitration phase, and that’s when his salary jumped. By 2022, he was making about $6 million with the Yankees before the trade to St. Louis.
In January 2023, Montgomery and the Cardinals settled before salary arbitration and agreed on a one-year, $10 million contract. That was a big raise and showed his growing value as a starter.
After that, he got traded to the Texas Rangers during the 2023 season.
Major Contract Milestones
Montgomery’s current salary of $10 million marks a big milestone in his earnings. His estimated net worth is around $20.4 million, built up over his years in the big leagues.
He helped the Texas Rangers win the 2023 World Series and then hit the free agent market for the first time in the 2023-2024 offseason.
He signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he’s now on the 60-day injured list. This latest contract is kind of the capstone of his journey from rookie to World Series champ.
Net Worth and Financial Profile
Jordan Montgomery’s finances have grown a lot over his MLB career. He’s earned money from contracts, some smart investments, and a few marketing opportunities along the way.
Career Earnings and Income Streams
Jordan Montgomery has racked up serious wealth through his MLB contracts. His earnings made a big leap when he signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks in March 2024. That’s a huge jump from what he was making before.
Before joining the Diamondbacks, Montgomery’s annual salary was $10 million, which helped grow his net worth. He’s also picked up extra cash from playoff bonuses and incentive clauses.
As he moved from rookie deals to bigger contracts, Montgomery’s earnings really took off. That’s just how it goes for established starters in today’s game.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Montgomery isn’t as big in endorsements as some MLB stars, but he’s landed a few brand deals that add to his income. His profile rose a lot during the 2023 season, especially in the postseason.
He’s got equipment sponsorships with baseball gear companies, which bring in some extra money. The “Gumby” or “Monty” nickname actually helps him stand out for brands that want a real, relatable athlete.
He’s also picked up some local endorsement deals in the cities where he’s played. These usually involve appearances, social media posts, and some branded content.
Investments and Asset Management
Montgomery has reportedly built a pretty diverse investment portfolio, including real estate and equity investments. Like a lot of MLB players, he works with financial advisors to make sure he’s set up for long-term wealth.
His net worth is estimated between $2-4 million based on 2022 numbers, but more recent estimates put it closer to $20 million. That jump reflects both his new contracts and some smart investments.
Tax planning is a big deal for athletes like Montgomery, since they earn money in a bunch of different states. Good financial management helps him keep more of what he earns and plan for life after baseball.
Highlights and Off-Field Contributions
Jordan Montgomery has made his mark on the field and in the community, building a reputation as a well-rounded pro who gives back in several ways.
Postseason Performances
Montgomery has given fans plenty to remember in the postseason, building a reputation as a steady, clutch pitcher when it matters most. The 2023 season with the Texas Rangers really stands out—he played a huge part in their World Series title run.
In Game 2 of the 2023 World Series, Montgomery took the mound and outpitched Blake Snell, tossing 6â…“ scoreless innings. That outing gave the Rangers a much-needed win and set the tone for the rest of the series.
He’s shown he can handle the pressure, and his playoff numbers back it up:
- Went 3-0 during the 2023 postseason
- Posted a 2.90 ERA over several big games
- Faced tough lineups like the Astros and Diamondbacks and came out on top
Community Outreach and Philanthropy
Montgomery cares about making a difference in the cities where he’s played. Whether with the Yankees, Cardinals, Rangers, or now the Diamondbacks, he’s gotten involved in plenty of charitable work.
Every year, he visits hospitals to spend time with kids and bring a little joy to pediatric patients.
He also supports youth baseball programs, especially in places that don’t have as many resources.
Montgomery hosts pitching clinics and donates the proceeds to local charities. It’s a simple idea, but it really helps.
He’s teamed up with guys like Jose Quintana for joint projects, often focusing on education and making sports more accessible for young people.
He even set up a scholarship fund for students who might not otherwise afford college. That move shows he wants to make a real impact, not just on the field, but off it too.
Human Resources and Client Services Involvement
Montgomery doesn’t just stick to the field or community events—he’s gotten involved in the business side of baseball too. He’s teamed up with human resources to make life better for players and help new faces settle in.
He steps up as a player representative. In this role, he bridges the gap between teammates and management, tackling workplace issues head-on. It’s a job that really highlights his leadership and the respect he’s earned from everyone around him.
You’ll find him jumping into all sorts of things, like:
- New player orientation programs
- Mentorship initiatives for minor league pitchers
- Client service improvement committees with team front offices
When it comes to contract negotiations, he takes charge. He’s negotiated with several teams over the years, and that business savvy paid off with a hefty $25 million deal with Arizona in 2024.
Montgomery often chats with younger players, passing along what he’s learned. He seems to genuinely want to help them figure out the business side and grow in their careers.
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