Giants' Snell defends agent Boras after Montgomery criticism

Pitchers no longer hit in the National League, but San Francisco Giants ace Blake Snell has come to bat for his agent Scott Boras.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jordan Montgomery said last week that his then-agent Boras "butchered" his free agency after he, like Snell, failed to secure a long-term deal and signed late into spring training.

"My experience with Scott has been great," Snell said, according to The Athletic's Andrew Baggarly. "He told me everything that was happening, all the offers I got. So for him to just get bashed for what I believe is false, that's not fair at all. I really strongly believe that."

Snell has rebounded to his Cy Young form in the second half after a turbulent offseason, slow start, and several injuries. Montgomery, however, has continued to struggle and was recently moved to the bullpen.

"I've seen how (Montgomery) struggled, but he signed the deal that he ultimately wanted to sign," Snell said.

He added, "He has the choice. I don't know what other deals he was offered, but I know everything that was offered to me. It's just sad that he thinks that way when I see Scott as a very honorable man."

Both Snell and Montgomery could be heading for free agency again after this season.

Snell's two-year, $62-million deal with the Giants contains an opt-out that would allow him to retest the market. Montgomery, meanwhile, has already triggered a vesting option for next season on the one-year, $25-million contract he inked with Arizona, but it also has an opt-out clause.

Montgomery owns a 6.44 ERA and 1.67 WHIP on the season.