Brewers Explore Low-Risk, High-Reward Deal for Rehabbing Ace

As of August 9, 2025, the Milwaukee Brewers are leading the National League Central division by a comfortable 5-game margin over the Chicago Cubs. While the Brewers did not make any major moves at the 2024 trade deadline, they did acquire pitchers Shelby Miller and Jordan Montgomery from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Miller has since slotted into the Brewers' bullpen, but Montgomery's inclusion in the deal was essentially a salary dump, as the left-hander is currently sidelined for the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery towards the end of spring training. However, the Brewers may be looking to reunite with Montgomery in the upcoming offseason.

According to a recent report, the veteran pitcher is expected to seek a "one-and-one" deal, where he would receive a modest salary in the first year while rehabbing, and then have a player option for the second year. This type of contract structure could appeal to a small-market team like the Brewers, who have had success with similar deals in the past, such as when they brought back Brandon Woodruff following an arm injury.

Despite struggling with the Diamondbacks in 2023, posting an 8-7 record with a 6.23 ERA, Montgomery has a strong track record, including helping the Texas Rangers win their first-ever World Series title the previous year. His injury issues may drive down his price tag, making him a potentially low-risk, high-reward signing for the Brewers as he looks to rebuild his value and potentially return to the free agent market in 2027.