Frankie Montas Joins Mets with a Two-Year Deal
The New York Mets have made a significant move in their offseason strategy by signing right-hander Frankie Montas to a two-year contract worth $34 million. The acquisition highlights the Mets' robust ambition to enhance their pitching roster, aiming to fortify their stance in the competitive league landscape.
Montas, 31, brings a unique blend of experience and potential to the Mets, having pitched for both the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers last season. Over the course of those stints, Montas delivered 30 starts, maintaining a 4.84 ERA and a 2.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While these numbers might seem moderate, they reflect a season of adaptation and learning for the seasoned pitcher.
After transitioning to the Brewers, Montas adjusted his pitching style by emphasizing his sinker and cutter, a strategic shift from the reliance on his slider and splitter. Despite this tactical shift, public-facing pitch-quality models consistently rank Montas' slider, splitter, and sweeper as above average, indicating significant promise should he diversify his pitching repertoire under the Mets’ guidance.
His expanding arsenal, which includes two fastballs clocking in the mid-90s, coupled with a cutter, splitter, and slider, positions him as a versatile option capable of making an impact. Mets' top baseball operations executive, David Stearns, likely views Montas as a pivotal piece to fill the potential void left by departing free agent Jose Quintana, whom the Mets might find difficult to retain.
A Calculated Risk with High Rewards
Despite Montas’ limited play with the New York Yankees in 2022—where he made just eight starts before missing nearly all of the following season—the Mets' decision embraces a belief in his unmet potential. This commitment suggests that the franchise sees significant upside in Montas' ability to contribute substantively to their cause.
The Mets are no strangers to taking calculated risks in pursuit of top-tier talent. Last winter, they added pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term contracts, showcasing their strategy of leveraging seasoned arms to support their overall pitching depth. Montas thus represents both a continuation of this strategy and an augmentation of their hopes to climb higher in their competitive landscape.
Montas’ history of durability, highlighted by reaching 10-plus starts in six different seasons, reinforces the expectations for a solid contribution. His finest moment came when he garnered Cy Young Award consideration, finishing as high as sixth in voting during a previous campaign. This pedigree of performance, combined with the Mets' nurturing environment, fuels optimism about his potential contributions.
The Path Forward
The Mets' investment in Montas sends a clear message: they are unapologetically aiming to compete for top honors. The team believes that by refining his delivery and strategic approach, the pitching staff can help Montas produce stellar performances that significantly impact their campaign. As one General observation aptly notes, "The ingredients are here for better numbers."
Ultimately, Montas’ signing is not merely about numbers or metrics but also about the Mets' broader aspirations to build a formidable force capable of challenging for championships. This signing signals their commitment to consistency, strategic growth, and the belief that Montas can be a cornerstone in their quest for excellence.
As the new season looms, all eyes will be on Montas to see how he settles into his new role and builds on the promise he holds. His journey with the Mets promises to be a narrative worth following as he seeks to translate potential into tangible success on the field.