In a move aimed at bolstering their pitching arsenal, the New York Mets have signed right-hander Frankie Montas to a two-year deal valued at $34 million. At 31, Montas brings a mix of experience and potential to a Mets team eager to make a strong push for league honors in the coming seasons.
Montas: A Promising Addition
Montas, who previously pitched for both the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, is no stranger to transitions, having moved between teams last season. Over 30 starts, he posted a 4.84 ERA with a 2.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While these statistics suggest room for improvement, the Mets are optimistic about what Montas can bring to their rotation. As one insider noted, "The ingredients are here for better numbers," indicating a belief in his untapped potential.
Adapting Montas' Style
After his mid-season shift to the Brewers, Montas refined his pitching style, placing greater emphasis on his sinker and cutter while decreasing reliance on his slider and splitter. Though he dialed back their usage, public-facing pitch-quality models still rate his slider, splitter, and sweeper as above average, showcasing his depth of skill. Montas’ varied arsenal includes two mid-90s fastballs in addition to his other pitches, offering the Mets a versatile weapon on the mound.
A Track Record of Resilience
Despite his recent challenges with the New York Yankees, where he managed only eight starts in 2022 before missing almost all of 2023, Montas is no stranger to success. He has delivered 10-plus starts in six different seasons and has been in the running for the Cy Young Award, achieving a career-high finish of sixth. These accomplishments underscore the potential the Mets see in Montas, as well as their willingness to invest in his future.
Strategic Moves by the Mets
David Stearns, overseer of the Mets’ baseball operations, continues to demonstrate strategic foresight with this acquisition. The Mets are not strangers to bolstering their rotation through calculated signings, adding pitchers like Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term contracts over the previous winter. These moves signify a clear intention to build a robust pitching lineup that can withstand the rigors of a competitive season.
Adding Montas becomes more critical with the potential free-agent departure of Jose Quintana. The Mets are preparing for all scenarios, ensuring they have depth and reliability in their pitching staff to remain competitive.
Aiming for Middle of the Pack to Top Honors
The signing of Montas reflects the Mets' ambition to compete with the elite teams in the league. Aware of the hurdles, the organization believes Montas can make significant contributions to this end. With his diverse pitching talent and the coaching staff's guidance, there's optimism that Montas' performance could improve, herding towards a transformative impact for the Mets.
While critics may point to Montas' recent rocky tenure with the Yankees as a potential red flag, the Mets are backing their decision with a strong belief in his capabilities. Their confidence in his potential performance is emblematic of their broader vision of success. The New York Mets are not just building a team; they are assembling a comprehensive program poised to harness its collective talent to achieve glory in Major League Baseball.