The San Francisco Giants are aiming to be competitive in one of baseball’s toughest divisions in 2025, but they may need a few more key additions. Since Buster Posey became president of baseball operations, the Giants have bolstered their roster by adding star shortstop Willy Adames and three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander, joining other stars like Matt Chapman and Jung Hoo Lee.
These moves have been clearly aimed at a “win-now” strategy, but to compete with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West, the Giants might need to do more.
In a CBS Sports article, Mike Axisa proposed a trade idea that would bring Jordan Montgomery from the Diamondbacks. Montgomery, a veteran starter, could provide valuable support to Verlander in the rotation. Axisa noted that Montgomery’s departure from Arizona seemed likely after Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick referred to signing him as “the biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint.” Despite a rough 2024 season with a 6.23 ERA, Montgomery’s strong track record and the one-year commitment on his $22.5 million contract (with a 2025 vesting option) could make him a worthwhile addition for the Giants if he can return to his 2023 form, when he posted a 3.20 ERA with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers.
While Montgomery’s 2024 struggles are a concern, Axisa pointed out that pitching demand always exceeds supply, making him an appealing option. The key question is how much salary Arizona would be willing to cover in a trade. Despite the risks associated with Montgomery and Verlander—both coming off shaky seasons—pairing them together could help mitigate those risks for the Giants. If the Diamondbacks absorb a significant portion of Montgomery’s $22.5 million, the Giants could find him to be a valuable addition to a championship-contending rotation for 2025.
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