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Montgomery had been with Chicago since 2016.

MLB trade news: Cubs send Mike Montgomery to Royals, receive Martin Maldonado in return

The Royals have their pitcher back.

Kansas City acquired lefty Mike Montgomery from Chicago on Monday, the team announced. The Cubs got catcher Martín Maldonado in return.

We have acquired LHP Mike Montgomery from the Cubs for C Martín Maldonado.

Montgomery was originally drafted by Kansas City in 2008. Welcome back to the #Royals organization, Mike. pic.twitter.com/82MocOxB0u
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 16, 2019

The Royals signed Maldonado to a one-year deal in March, but the 32-year-old has underperformed at the plate, batting .224 after 73 games with the club.

Meanwhile, Montgomery made 20 relief appearances with the Cubs this season. He is 1-2 with a 5.67 ERA.

Montgomery had been with Chicago since 2016 and set career highs in 2017 with seven wins, three saves and 100 strikeouts.

The Cubs bid him farewell and thanked Montgomery for throwing "the most important pitch" in club history when he recorded the final out in the 2016 World Series.

"We will be forever grateful for what you helped bring the city of Chicago," the Cubs' tweet read.

You threw the most important pitch in Cubs history and we will be forever grateful for what you helped bring the city of Chicago.

Thank you to a true champion, @MikeMontgum22. pic.twitter.com/7rcV43v6II
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 16, 2019