Mets Land Frankie Montas: A Bold Move with Potential Payoff
The New York Mets have made yet another ambitious move in their quest to fortify their pitching rotation, signing right-hander Frankie Montas to a two-year contract worth $34 million. This acquisition signals the Mets' continued desire to compete at the highest levels of Major League Baseball under the stewardship of top baseball executive, David Stearns.
Montas, at 31 years old, brings a diverse and skilled arsenal to the mound, comprising two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, a splitter, and a slider. This range of pitches could potentially provide the Mets with the competitive edge they seek on the mound. Public-facing pitch-quality models rate Montas' slider, splitter, and sweeper as above-average, underscoring his capability to deliver improved performances going forward.
Montas' journey to the Mets has been marked by transitions and challenges. Last season, he split his time between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, making a total of 30 starts. During this period, he posted a 4.84 ERA along with a 2.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio. This performance, while not stellar, demonstrated his durability and the ability to make consistent appearances on the field—a quality any team would find valuable.
After joining the Brewers, Montas tweaked his approach, focusing more on his sinker and cutter while using his slider and splitter less frequently. Despite this adjustment, his above-average ratings in the latter pitches leave room for optimism that leveraging his complete repertoire could yield better results. As one general observation put it succinctly, "The ingredients are here for better numbers," hinting at what Montas can potentially achieve with the Mets.
The Mets' decision to bring Montas on board, despite his less impactful tenure with the New York Yankees—where he managed only eight starts in 2022 before missing almost all of 2023 due to injuries—suggests a deep faith in his ability to bounce back. His past performances have been notable enough to garner consideration in Cy Young Award voting, placing as high as sixth during one of his previous seasons. This history of excellence adds an element of trust and anticipation to his signing.
Montas' signing is consistent with the Mets' recent strategy of enhancing their pitching staff through short-term investments. Last winter, they added pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on similar deals. These strategic acquisitions aim to bolster their rotation depth while managing financial commitments, offering opportunities for veteran pitchers to contribute meaningfully.
There's an element of urgency in the Mets' current off-season maneuvers. With the potential departure of Jose Quintana as a free agent, adding Montas provides a much-needed reinforcement to the Mets’ starting rotation. The club’s commitment to staying competitive in one of baseball’s toughest divisions emphasizes the importance of solidifying their pitching core.
Frankie Montas now finds himself at a pivotal juncture in his career. The Mets' faith in his abilities offers a prime opportunity to reignite his career in a city that harbors sky-high expectations for its baseball team. Should he successfully tap into his potential, Montas may very well be the crucial piece the Mets need to push deep into the postseason.
Ultimately, the signing of Frankie Montas reflects the Mets' strategic positioning for immediate success in the upcoming seasons. As the team looks to build on past lessons and forge a path to greatness, the acquisition of Montas underscores their ambition and belief in his capacity to deliver on the mound.