Report: D’Backs investigated Montgomery-Bellinger trade with Cubs

There has been a lot of trade speculation surrounding the Diamondbacks. Jordan Montgomery and the Cubs Cody Bellinger this offseason, as both players have inflated salaries and don’t quite fit perfectly into their respective clubs’ rosters. The same issues have apparently resulted in a relatively quiet trade market for both players so far, although USA Today’s Bob Nightengale writes that Arizona has “tried to interest the Cubs in a trade between the two players.” It is unknown whether the proposed deal was a straight one-for-one trade or whether other players were involved, although that could be a moot point since the Cubs did not appear to have much interest.

Bellinger decided to waive his release clause after the 2024 season went well, keeping him on Chicago’s roster through the 2026 season for a remaining salary of $52.5 million. In 2025, that amount is $27.5 million, and then Bellinger can either opt out in the final year of the deal and secure a $5 million buyout heading back to free agency, or he can can waive the exit clause again and earn $25 MM in 2026.

Montgomery also chose not to opt out of the final year of his two-year contract in Arizona and will be paid $22.5 million through the 2025 season. While Bellinger could test the market again this winter, there was no doubt that Montgomery would retain his contract after a disastrous first season with the D’Backs. Montgomery signed with Arizona just before Opening Day and then struggled with a 6.23 ERA over 117 innings, which appeared to be a byproduct of missing spring training and the lack of a real start due to his extended time in free agency.

D’Backs owner Ken Kendrick was publicly critical of Montgomery’s signing during a radio interview in October, which was seen as either surprisingly harsh honesty from a manager toward a player or Kendrick’s attempt to get Montgomery to get out of his contract, only to make a new start somewhere else. In the latter case, the tactic obviously didn’t work, and Nightengale writes that “the Diamondbacks are shopping everywhere (Montgomery)” to try to get that salary off the books.

A Montgomery for Bellinger trade is intriguing for several reasons, starting with the simple fact that they were both members of the so-called “Boras Four.” Together with Blake Snell And Matt ChapmanMontgomery and Bellinger were both represented by agent Scott Boras last offseason, and all four players ultimately opted for shorter, opt-out contracts after long stays in free agency failed to produce the lucrative longer-term contracts each player was looking for a goal. It’s worth noting that Chapman and Snell have found such contracts in recent months – Chapman through his contract extension with the Giants and Snell’s new five-year deal with the Dodgers.

From a pure baseball perspective, trading Montgomery for Bellinger helps the D’Backs and Cubs each fill some needs. Bellinger would attack an Arizona team that could potentially lose Christian Walker, Joc PedersonAnd Randal Grichuk in free agency, and Bellinger could step right in to replace Walker at first base. While Bellinger’s left-handed bat would further unbalance the Diamondbacks’ lineup, which already has a lot of left-handed hitters, Bellinger’s ability to play the outfield could make it easier for the D’Backs to get one of their in-house left-handed batting outfielders to exchange. Jake McCarthy or Alex Thomas are obviously the most likely trading candidates Corbin Carroll isn’t going anywhere.

The Diamondbacks have a rotation surplus that is also drawing trade interest, and moving Montgomery to the Cubs would help Chicago strengthen its rotation base. Matthew Boyd was recently obliged to join Shota Imanaga, Justin SteeleAnd Jameson Taillon in the Cubs’ starting five, namely Javier Assad is up for the fifth starting job, the Cubs are reportedly open to additional additions to the pitching department. Trading Montgomery would give Chicago its own semi-surplus of rotation options that could be turned into trade chips, and it would also get Bellinger out of the Cubs’ crowded outfield and first base.

Despite his rough 2024 numbers, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Montgomery revert to his old self now that he’s enjoying a normal offseason. It’s probably safe to assume he’d be a popular re-upping candidate in trade negotiations if it weren’t for the $22.5 million price tag, as rival teams may not want to bet as much on Montgomery being able to reclaim his old position Form.

The Astros, Mariners and Yankees have all shown some interest in Bellinger, and New York in particular could prove to be a stronger suitor if the team doesn’t re-sign Juan Soto. Even if the numbers don’t add up for the Cubs so far in finding a trade partner for Bellinger, this active market could be a reason the Cubs are aiming a little higher in their aspirations than perhaps settling for Montgomery in return for contracts .

While Bellinger may still opt out after 2025, the Diamondbacks would face the greater financial burden of having to take on two years of salary in exchange for Montgomery’s final remaining year. However, a lot of money is coming off Arizona’s books after the 2025 season Zac Gallen, Eugenio SuárezAnd Merrill Kelly are all free agents next winter. That could make it a little more palatable for the Snakes to add Bellinger to the 2026 payroll.