Diamondbacks reach deal with Montgomery
PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks and pitcher Jordan Montgomery have agreed on a $25 million, one-year contract with a vesting option for 2025, according to a person familiar with the deal.
The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday night because the agreement was subject to a successful physical.
If Montgomery makes at least 10 starts this season, the option would become guaranteed at $20 million and he also would gain the right to opt out. The option price would escalate to $22.5 million if he makes 18 starts and to $25 million if he makes 23 starts — a figure he has reached in three straight seasons.
Montgomery pitched for Texas against Arizona in the World Series last year.The 6-foot-6 lefty played a significant role in Texas’ first title after being traded at the deadline for the second year in a row.
Montgomery, 31, is 38-34 with a 3.68 ERA in 140 starts and one relief appearance with the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals and Rangers.
Smith, Dodgers have 10-year deal
Catcher Will Smith and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a $140 million, 10-year contract Wednesday.
Smith's deal supersedes an $8.85 million, one-year agreement reached in January.
The 28-year-old was a first-time All-Star last year, when he hit .261 with 19 homers and 76 RBIs.
Yankees acquire Marlins’ Berti
Jon Berti could be at third base for the bangedup Yankees in their opener against Houston on Thursday after New York agreed to acquire the infielder as part of a three-team trade with Miami and Tampa Bay.
New York agreed to send catcher Ben Rortvedt to the Rays and minor league outfielder Juan Cruz to the Marlins, while outfielder Shane Sasaki would move from the Rays to Marlins.
Berti could fill in at third base while DJ LeMahieu is on the injured list with a bone bruise in his right foot.
In addition, infielder Oswald Peraza is sidelined for several weeks because of a strained right shoulder.
Odds and ends
Openers on Thursday in New York between the Mets and Brewers and in Philadelphia between the Phillies and Braves were postponed a day until Friday because of rainy forecasts in both cities. … David Rubenstein’s purchase of the Baltimore Orioles was approved by owners, clearing the way for the Angelos family to finalize the sale after more than three decades running the team. … Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain, who hit .290 last season while finishing fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting, had surgery on his left shoulder and will be sidelined for an extended period.