$190 Million Meltdown: How the Diamondbacks’ Pitching Gamble Turned Into a Disaster
The Arizona Diamondbacks had one goal: fortify the mound and make a serious postseason run. Instead, they’ve found themselves trapped in a web of costly misfires and regretful contracts. Their $190 million spending spree on three prominent pitchers—Madison Bumgarner, Jordan Montgomery, and Eduardo Rodríguez—was supposed to bring dominance. Instead, it brought disappointment, injuries, and ERA explosions.
Eduardo Rodríguez: The Latest Letdown
Rodríguez was expected to anchor the rotation after signing a four-year, $80 million deal. So far? He’s been crushed. His 2025 season has spiraled into disaster—most recently giving up eight earned runs in just 2.2 innings against the Dodgers, with nine hits clocking over 100 mph. His ERA ballooned to 7.30. Worse, fans and coaches noticed his lack of hustle, failing to field bunts or back up plays. Manager Torey Lovullo summed it up with a terse, “A little,” when asked if he was frustrated.
Jordan Montgomery: One Year, One Surgery
The D-backs shelled out $25 million for Montgomery on a one-year deal. He rewarded them with a 6.23 ERA across 117 innings and a shoulder injury that now requires Tommy John surgery. He’s out for the entire 2025 season—zero return on investment.
Madison Bumgarner: The Original Mistake
The veteran southpaw was once the crown jewel of their pitching overhaul. But the $85 million deal turned toxic fast. Bumgarner was DFA’d after just four starts in 2023, posting a brutal 10.26 ERA with a WHIP of 2.40. His fall from grace set the tone for what has become a cautionary tale of front-office misjudgment.
A Bullpen in Flux, A Future in Question
To address the chaos, Arizona called up lefty Joe Mantiply and optioned Cristian Mena—despite Mena tossing 3.2 scoreless innings. Graveman’s return from injury brings a glimmer of hope, but it’s clear the rotation remains in critical condition.
So—Was $190 Million Thrown Away?
The numbers don’t lie: none of the big three have delivered. Injuries, inconsistency, and lack of urgency have plagued the trio. For a franchise that reached the World Series not long ago, it’s a bitter turn. Unless major changes happen—and quickly—this investment may go down as one of the worst in franchise history.