The New York Mets have made a strategic addition to their pitching roster by signing right-hander Frankie Montas to a two-year deal valued at $34 million. At 31 years of age, Montas brings a wealth of experience and potential upside to a team eager to compete for top honors in the league. This signing underscores the Mets' commitment to strengthening their rotation amidst potential departures and ongoing challenges within their pitching staff.
Montas' journey to New York is an intriguing tale marked by highs and lows. In the previous season, he split his time between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, making a respectable 30 starts. Throughout these games, he managed a 4.84 ERA and showcased a solid 2.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Perhaps most noteworthy is his ability to adapt; upon joining the Brewers, Montas adjusted his pitching strategy to emphasize his sinker and cutter over his slider and splitter.
The right-hander’s pitching arsenal is indeed impressive, featuring two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, a splitter, and a slider. Public-facing pitch-quality models particularly laud his slider, splitter, and sweeper as being above average, hinting at his latent potential. As one observer noted, "The ingredients are here for better numbers," suggesting that with the right support and development, Montas could elevate his performance to new heights.
David Stearns, who leads the Mets’ baseball operations, has shown a history of strategically bolstering the team’s pitching options. Last winter, the Mets brought on board pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term deals, emphasizing their focus on versatile and proven talents. The addition of Montas is consistent with this approach, providing the Mets with a seasoned professional who has the ability to significantly impact their starting rotation.
Montas is no stranger to the pressures and expectations of performance at the highest levels. Notably, he has been considered among the ranks for the Cy Young Award, with a previous high finish of sixth place. However, his journey has not been without its setbacks. While with the New York Yankees in 2022, Montas managed only eight starts and missed almost the entirety of the 2023 season due to injury. These circumstances make his signing a calculated risk for the Mets, but one that they clearly believe is worthwhile given Montas’ potential contribution.
The team faces the imminent prospect of losing veteran pitcher Jose Quintana to free agency, making Montas' addition even more crucial. His vast experience, including making 10-plus starts across six seasons, offers a blend of resilience and reliability that could anchor the Mets' rotation during the upcoming season. This move signifies a larger ambition on the Mets' part to fortify their pitching depth and maintain competitiveness.
Ultimately, the Mets see Montas as more than just a short-term fix; they envision him as a player capable of making a lasting impact on their roster. While his tenure with the Yankees was less than spectacular, the Mets are confident that their environment and coaching can bring out the best in Montas, helping him rebound and thrive in his new team colors.
As Montas embraces this new chapter in his career, both the player and the franchise carry aspirations of excellence. His addition to the Mets’ lineup not only bolsters their pitching rotation but also reflects their unyielding pursuit of a championship-caliber team.