Frankie Montas Joins New York Mets in Ambitious Move
In a bold and strategic move, the New York Mets have secured the services of right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas on a two-year deal worth $34 million. The 31-year-old Montas, whose career has been characterized by both potential and volatility, will be expected to add depth and skill to a Mets rotation that seeks to compete at the highest levels.
The signing comes as part of a broader effort by Mets' top baseball operations executive, David Stearns, to strengthen the team's pitching lineup. Last winter, the Mets brought on pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term contracts, and with the potential departure of Jose Quintana as a free agent looming, Montas’ acquisition underscores the team's ambition to reshape its roster decisively.
Montas’ journey to the Mets has been circuitous. Last season, he played for both the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, showcasing resilience and adaptability. Over the course of 30 starts, Montas posted a 4.84 ERA with a 2.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio. These numbers, while not reflective of elite performance, were achieved through Montas' experimentation with his pitching style. Upon joining the Brewers, he shifted focus to his sinker and cutter, while using his slider and splitter less frequently.
Interestingly, public-facing pitch-quality models rank Montas' slider, splitter, and sweeper as above average, signaling that he possesses the necessary tools to elevate his game. His pitching repertoire is as diverse as it is intriguing, comprising two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, a splitter, and a slider.
The Mets' decision to sign Montas, despite his less impactful tenure with the New York Yankees in 2022—where he made only eight starts and missed nearly all of 2023—demonstrates a gamble on his untapped potential. "The ingredients are here for better numbers," suggests an optimistic view of Montas’ capabilities, highlighting the belief that he can contribute significantly to the Mets' ambitions.
Montas has been a fixture in Major League Baseball, having made 10-plus starts in six different seasons. His talent has not gone unnoticed, with Montas earning Cy Young Award votes and finishing as high as sixth in past seasons. His tenure in the league is a testament to his endurance and skill, factors that the Mets are betting on to enhance their championship prospects.
While his previous stint with the Yankees was marred by inconsistency and injury, the Mets’ acquisition of Montas signifies confidence in his ability to rediscover his form. The previous year with the Brewers saw Montas adapt his approach, and the potential for him to leverage his above-average slider and splitter more effectively presents an exciting opportunity for both player and team.
The signing adds another competitive layer to the Mets' roster as they prepare for the upcoming seasons. This move, combined with their recent acquisitions and potential departures, sets the stage for a keenly contested campaign. The Mets are clearly on a path to assert themselves as contenders for top honors in the league, with Montas likely to be an integral part of their quest.
The two-year deal with Montas, underlined by its substantial financial commitment, is indicative of the Mets’ long-term vision and aggressive approach to team building. As the season beckons, Montas and the Mets will aim to turn potential into performance, strengthening their bid for success in Major League Baseball.