Mets Secure Frankie Montas with a Two-Year Deal
In a move that signals their intent to bolster their pitching rotation, the New York Mets have signed 31-year-old right-hander Frankie Montas to a two-year contract worth $34 million. Montas, who split last season between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, is looking to bring his blend of raw talent and developed skill to a team with high expectations.
A Closer Look at Montas’ Skill Set
Montas is known for his dynamic pitching arsenal, which includes two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, a splitter, and a slider. Public-facing pitch-quality models rate his slider, splitter, and sweeper as above average, indicating his potential to overpower hitters. His strategic shift in focus on the sinker and cutter with the Brewers suggests a keen self-awareness and adaptability, a quality invaluable for sustained success on the mound.
Despite an ERA of 4.84 across 30 starts last season and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.24, the Mets believe Montas has the potential for significant contributions. As one team executive noted, "The ingredients are here for better numbers," a sentiment that speaks to Montas' capacity to evolve and capitalize on his strengths, potentially improving his performance metrics.
Fitting into the Mets’ Strategy
Montas' acquisition comes amidst a winter of strategic restructuring for the Mets, who recently added pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term deals. Given the potential departure of one of their key pitchers, Jose Quintana, as a free agent, Montas provides both security and quality in the starting rotation.
David Stearns, the top baseball operations executive for the Mets, sees Montas as a valuable piece in their long-term competitive plans. His ability to reliably contribute as a starter—having made 10-plus starts in six different seasons—is a testament to his durability and consistency, traits the Mets are banking on following a less impactful tenure with the Yankees.
Overcoming Past Challenges
Montas' signing with the Mets marks a fresh chapter following a challenging stint with the New York Yankees where he managed only eight starts in 2022 and missed almost all of 2023. Despite these setbacks, his presence in the Cy Young Award voting—finishing as high as sixth in a previous season—underscores his potential to perform at an elite level.
The Mets’ decision to offer a multi-year contract, even after Montas' recent hurdles, demonstrates their belief in his ability to regain and potentially exceed his past form. This investment indicates their commitment to surrounding their roster with players capable of contributing to contending for top honors in the league.
The Road Ahead
As Montas prepares to don the Mets jersey, the anticipation around his upcoming integration into the team is palpable. If Montas can harness the elements of his well-regarded pitching repertoire effectively, he could emerge as a vital cog in the Mets' machinery. The pitching adjustments made during his time with the Brewers, focusing more on his sinker and cutter, may very well serve as a foundation for stronger performance metrics moving forward.
Ultimately, how Frank Montas’ talent unfolds with the Mets will be closely watched as the team aims to assert its dominance in the league. With competition around every corner and the tangible possibility of free-agent departures altering team dynamics, Montas stands as both a testament to the Mets' foresight and their unyielding pursuit of excellence.