MLB insider makes surprisingly sane Braves trade prediction involving postseason hero pitcher

Jim Bowden isn't always known for making the best predictions about where players will land via free agency or trade. However, even a broken clock is right twice a day.

Bowden is an MLB insider and former baseball executive for the Reds and Nationals. It's not surprising that he would have some insight to provide, but sometimes, his ideas are a little hard to believe. He recently released a list of predictions for free agent signings, trades, and more.

One of his predictions involved the Braves making a trade for pitcher Jordan Montgomery, who helped propel the Texas Rangers to the World Series in 2023. His performance in the ALCS helped set the stage for the team's first-ever World Series title. He earned a 1.29 ERA over 14 innings with three walks and 10 strikeouts.

Bowden predicts Montgomery will exercise his $22.5 million player option with the Diamondbacks ahead of 2025. He then believes Atlanta and Arizona will work out a trade, sending two minor-league Braves prospects in return for Montgomery. Bowden added that he believes the Diamondbacks would cover half of the southpaw's salary.

The Diamondbacks lefty would be an excellent fit for the Braves. While it seems bizarre that Arizona would send him elsewhere, one has to consider the challenging experience Montgomery had in 2024. He ended the season with a 6.23 ERA over 117 innings with a 4.48 FIP, 44 walks, and 83 strikeouts.

He dealt with some right knee inflammation during the season that could have contributed to his struggles and the fact that he walked many more batters. Montgomery's 6.2 walk percentage in 2023 was in the 82nd percentile amongst all MLB pitchers. In 2024, his walk rate increased two points to 8.3%, which was in the 30th percentile.

This also led Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick to criticize Montgomery's signing after the season, stating, "It was a terrible decision to have invested that money in a guy that performed as poorly as he did. It’s our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint."

This forced Arizona GM Mike Hazen to meet with the pitcher to try and salvage the relationship. Souring relations between both sides could influence Montgomery's willingness to stay with the team.

What reason do the Braves have to trade for a pitcher with those struggles? Well, his chase (33.2%) and barrel (6.0%) percentage increased in 2024. That's super encouraging, and if Atlanta can help get his groundball rate back up, he's a perfect fit. He's never been known to strike out many batters during his time with the Yankees, Cardinals, Rangers, and Diamondbacks. He has to depend on weak contact to get him through games.

Considering Max Fried has the potential to sign elsewhere, Montgomery could be an excellent replacement, especially if the D-backs decide to cover half of his salary. It would be a chance worth taking to help the Braves balance their budget and address more pressing needs.

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