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Mike Montgomery (baseball)

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Mike Montgomery
Montgomery with the Chicago Cubs in 2017
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1989-07-01) July 1, 1989 (age 35)
Mission Hills, California, U.S.
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Professional debut
MLB: June 2, 2015, for the Seattle Mariners
KBO: July 3, 2021, for the Samsung Lions
MLB statistics
(through 2020 season)
Win–loss record23–34
Earned run average3.84
Strikeouts415
KBO statistics
(through 2021 season)
Win–loss record2-5
Earned run average5.37
Strikeouts55
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Michael Paul Montgomery (born July 1, 1989) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, and Kansas City Royals, and in the KBO League for the Samsung Lions.

He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the first round of the 2008 MLB draft and made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2015. The Mariners traded him to the Chicago Cubs in 2016. Montgomery recorded the final out in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, earning the save and sealing the Cubs' first World Series title since 1908.

Professional career

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Kansas City Royals

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Montgomery was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the first round, with the 36th overall selection, of the 2008 MLB draft out of William S. Hart High School in Santa Clarita, California.[1] In 2012, he posted a combined record of 5–12 in 27 starts while splitting the season between the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers.[2] On November 20, 2012, the Royals added Montgomery to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[2]

Tampa Bay Rays

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On December 9, 2012, Montgomery was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays along with Jake Odorizzi, Patrick Leonard, and Wil Myers for pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis.[3] He was optioned to the Triple-A Durham Bulls on March 11, 2013.[4]

Seattle Mariners

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On March 31, 2015, Montgomery was traded to the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Erasmo Ramírez.[5] After an injury sidelined starter James Paxton, the Mariners called Montgomery up to the majors for the first time on June 2, 2015. He started that night against the New York Yankees at Safeco Field, giving up one run, four hits, and walking two while striking out four and leaving after six innings with a 2–1 lead. He was on track to earn his first major league win, but the Mariners lost the game in 11 innings.[6]

On June 23, Montgomery became the first Mariners left-handed pitcher to ever throw a complete game shutout with 10 strikeouts and no walks, getting the win against the Kansas City Royals 7–0.[7][8] Following his first career complete game shutout, Montgomery pitched his second consecutive shutout on June 30, 2015. He allowed one hit, a double in the 7th inning, to the San Diego Padres in a 5–0 win.[9] He was the first Mariners pitcher since Freddy García in 2001 to throw complete game shutouts in consecutive starts.[10]

Montgomery made the Mariners' opening day roster in 2016 as a reliever.[11]

Chicago Cubs

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On July 20, 2016, the Seattle Mariners traded Montgomery and prospect Jordan Pries to the Chicago Cubs for prospects Daniel Vogelbach and Paul Blackburn.[12] After allowing a three-run home run to the first batter he faced as a Cub,[13] Montgomery performed well during the remainder of the season. He pitched in 17 games (including five starts), with a 2.82 ERA with the Cubs.[14]

Montgomery had a strong postseason performance in 2016, playing an instrumental role in the team's championship run. Cumulatively he went 1–1 in 11 games with a 3.14 ERA in 14+1⁄3 innings pitched.[15] Notably, Montgomery relieved Carl Edwards Jr. in the bottom of the 10th inning in Game 7 of the World Series. With a runner on first base and two outs in a one-run game, he finished the game with a ground out to third base.[16] Montgomery earned his first professional save, helping the Cubs win the World Series for the first time in 108 years.[17]

Mike Montgomery pitches the final out in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.

In 2017, Montgomery made 44 appearances (14 starts) with a 3.38 ERA. His record was 7–8, along with three saves. His performance through mid-May was exceptional, with his ERA dropping to 1.08. After gradually rising to 4.01 in mid-July, it leveled out in the remainder of the season.[1] Montgomery hit his first career home run off Atlanta Braves pitcher R. A. Dickey on July 19.[18]

In contrast with his 2016 performance, Montgomery struggled in the 2017 postseason. Between the Division Series against the Washington Nationals and the League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Montgomery had five appearances and 4+1⁄3 innings pitched. He allowed three home runs, finishing with a 16.62 postseason ERA.[19]

In 2018, Montgomery had a 5–6 record with a 3.99 ERA in 124 innings.[1] He started the 2019 season with a 1–2 record and a 5.67 ERA in 27 innings.[1]

Kansas City Royals (second stint)

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On July 15, 2019, Montgomery was traded back to the Royals, with the Cubs receiving catcher Martín Maldonado.[20] Despite Montgomery being primarily a reliever and spot starter during his major league career, the Royals used him exclusively as a starting pitcher. He made 13 starts and pitched 64 innings while winning two games and losing seven.[21] With the 2020 Kansas City Royals, Montgomery appeared in 3 games, with 5.06 ERA and four strikeouts in 5+1⁄3 innings pitched.[14] On October 30, Montgomery was outrighted off the Royals roster and became a free agent.[22]

New York Mets

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On February 14, 2021, Montgomery signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets with an invitation to spring training.[23] On March 28, the Mets released Montgomery.[24]

New York Yankees

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On April 5, 2021, Montgomery signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees organization.[25] On June 1, Montgomery opted out of his minor league contract and became a free agent.[26] He had recorded a 7.56 ERA in four games for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.[1]

Samsung Lions

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On June 1, 2021, Montgomery agreed to a contract with the Samsung Lions of the KBO League.[27] During a game on September 10, Montgomery was warned about the league's 12-second pitch rule and subsequently ejected. In response to his ejection, Montgomery struck an umpire with a rosin bag and threw his uniform on the field of play before retreating to the clubhouse.[28] He had a 2–5 record and 5.37 ERA in 11 starts for the Lions.[29]

New York Mets (second stint)

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On March 15, 2022, Montgomery signed a minor league contract to return to the New York Mets.[30] He made 22 appearances (17 starts) for the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, struggling to a 2–10 record and 6.72 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 69+2⁄3 innings pitched.[1] Montgomery elected free agency following the season on November 10.[31]

On February 2, 2023, Montgomery signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.[32] He was released prior to the season on April 18.[33]

Los Angeles Dodgers

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On June 6, 2023, Montgomery signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and was assigned to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers.[34] He pitched in 18 games (16 starts) for Oklahoma City, logging a 4–4 record and 5.26 ERA with 68 strikeouts across 77 innings.[1] Montgomery elected free agency following the season on November 6.[35]

Long Island Ducks

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On April 30, 2024, Montgomery signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.[36] In 22 games (21 starts) for the Ducks, he posted a 6–7 record and 5.65 ERA with 72 strikeouts over 100+1⁄3 innings of work. He became a free agent following the season.

Personal life

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Montgomery and his wife, Stephanie, were married in August 2018 during a Cubs off-day.[37] Their first child, a son, was born April 2019.[38]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Mike Montgomery Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com.
  2. ^ a b Kaegel, Dick (November 20, 2012). "Royals make moves to finalize 40-man roster". MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 9, 2017. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  3. ^ Chastain, Bill (December 9, 2012). "Rays deal Shields to Royals for Myers, prospects". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 8, 2014. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  4. ^ Chastain, Bill (March 11, 2013). "Rays send 11 players to Minor League camp". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  5. ^ Chastain, Bill (March 31, 2015). "Rays acquire righty Ramirez in trade with Mariners". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  6. ^ "Yankees 5, Mariners 3, June 2, 2015, 7:10 pm PDT, Safeco Field". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  7. ^ Schoenfield, David (June 23, 2015). "Tuesday's Power Rankings". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  8. ^ "Mariners 7, Royals 0, June 23, 2015, 7:10 pm PDT, Safeco Field". Baseball Reference. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
  9. ^ "Seattle Mariners vs San Diego Padres Box Score: June 30, 2015". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  10. ^ "Fill-in Montgomery now part of Seattle history". MLB.com. July 1, 2015. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  11. ^ "Mariners make 7 moves to set Opening Day roster". MLB.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  12. ^ Muskat, Carrie (July 20, 2016). "Cubs land Montgomery from Mariners in 4-player deal". MLB.com.
  13. ^ Gonzales, Mark (July 23, 2016). "Brewers pester Cubs, John Lackey". Chicago Tribune.
  14. ^ a b "Mike Montgomery Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com.
  15. ^ "Mike Montgomery Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com.
  16. ^ "Cubs win 1st World Series since 1908 in 7 games". MLB.com. November 2, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  17. ^ Bastian, Jordan; Muskat, Carrie. "Chicago Cubs win 2016 World Series". MLB. Archived from the original on November 30, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  18. ^ Odum, Charles (July 19, 2017). "Montgomery homers as Chicago Cubs beat Braves 8-2 for 6th straight win". Daily Herald. Associated Press. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  19. ^ "Mike Montgomery Postseason Pitching Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  20. ^ Rieper, Max (July 15, 2019). "Royals trade Martín Maldonado to the Cubs for Mike Montgomery". Royals Review.
  21. ^ "Mike Montgomery 2019 Pitching Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  22. ^ Franco, Anthony (October 30, 2020). "Minor MLB Transactions: 10/30/20". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  23. ^ New York Mets [@Mets] (February 14, 2021). "We have signed LHP Mike Montgomery and RHP Tommy Hunter to minor league contracts and invited both to Major League Spring Training" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  24. ^ Zencka, TC (March 28, 2021). "Mets Notes: Lindor, Montgomery, Roster Cuts". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  25. ^ Byrne, Connor (April 5, 2021). "Yankees To Sign Mike Montgomery". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  26. ^ Franco, Anthony (May 31, 2021). "Mike Montgomery To Opt Out Of Yankees Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  27. ^ Yoo, Jee-ho (June 2, 2021). "KBO's Lions sign ex-MLB pitcher Mike Montgomery". Yonhap. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  28. ^ "Ex-MLB pitcher Mike Montgomery throws rosin bag, hits ump in KBO game". ESPN.com. September 10, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  29. ^ "Mike Montgomery Minor, Fall, Korean & Independent Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  30. ^ McDonald, Darragh (March 15, 2022). "Mets To Sign Mike Montgomery To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  31. ^ Pontes, Geoff (November 13, 2022). "2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams". Baseball America. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  32. ^ "Acereros: El Ligamayorista Mike Montgomery llega a la Furia Azul". MiLB.com (in Spanish). February 2, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  33. ^ "LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 18 de abril de 2023". MiLB.com (in Spanish). April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  34. ^ Stephen, Eric (June 6, 2023). "Dodgers sign Kole Calhoun, Mike Montgomery to minor league contracts". True Blue LA. SB Nation. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  35. ^ Cooper, J. J. (November 8, 2023). "2023 MiLB Free Agents". Baseball America. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  36. ^ Long Island Ducks [@LIDucks] (April 30, 2024). "TRANSACTION: We have signed left-handed pitcher Mike Montgomery! @MikeMontgum22 is a six-year @MLB veteran with the @Mariners, @Cubs and @Royals and won the 2016 World Series championship! He will be on the mound as tonight's starting pitcher vs. the @FerryHawks!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  37. ^ Gonzales, Mark (August 21, 2018). "Mike Montgomery gets married on Cubs' off-day". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  38. ^ Altman, Evan (April 18, 2019). "Mike Montgomery Sharp in First Rehab Start as New Father -". Cubs Insider. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
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