The New York Mets have made another significant move in the offseason by signing right-hander Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million contract. Montas, 31, joins a revamped pitching roster that signals the Mets' intention to solidify their rotation and make a substantial push for contention in the coming seasons.
Montas' past year has been an intriguing journey. Having split his time between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, Montas recorded a 4.84 ERA across 30 starts. While these statistics may not immediately catch the eye, Montas' underlying skills tell a different story. His strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.24 and the adjustments he made after joining the Brewers suggest a pitcher who is evolving and finding new ways to disrupt opposing hitters.
The Mets' baseball operations, led by David Stearns, evidently see potential for Montas to elevate his game even further. "The ingredients are here for better numbers," as the general sentiment around Montas' anticipated performance suggests. His versatility was highlighted during his stint with the Brewers, where he began to focus more on his sinker and cutter while reducing reliance on his slider and splitter. Despite this shift, public-facing pitch-quality models rate Montas' slider, splitter, and sweeper as above average, hinting at the depth and adaptability of his pitching arsenal.
Montas' acquisition comes at a pivotal time for the Mets, who stand to lose Jose Quintana to free agency. The team has been proactive in shoring up its pitching options, already having added Sean Manaea and Luis Severino through short-term deals last winter. These moves underscore a broader strategy of building a roster that can compete at the highest levels, with Montas' signing being the latest commitment to this ambition.
Montas' career has been marked by flashes of brilliance and resilience. He has posted ten-plus starts in six different seasons and has even made it among the Cy Young Award voting, finishing as high as sixth in a past season. His trajectory was somewhat derailed when he made only eight starts with the New York Yankees in 2022, and his 2023 season was nearly wiped out. However, the Mets' faith in his potential contributions remains strong, banking on Montas to rediscover the form that once placed him among the elite pitchers in the league.
The signing also highlights the Mets' aggressive approach under the stewardship of David Stearns, who envisions a dynamic and robust roster capable of sustainable success. Montas' inclusion serves as a testament to the franchise's commitment to acquiring and nurturing talent that can bring top honors to New York.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how Montas adapts to his new team environment and harnesses his diverse skill set. With two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, a splitter, and a slider in his repertoire, he has the tools to become a linchpin in the Mets' starting rotation. His ability to integrate effectively with New York's strategic vision will be integral to both his and the team's prospects in the upcoming seasons.
The signing of Frankie Montas reflects the Mets' determination to enhance their competitiveness and pursue success against the backdrop of an increasingly fierce league. As Montas dons the Mets' jersey, the hopes of the franchise and its faithful supporters rest on his shoulders to deliver standout performances and contribute meaningfully to what promises to be an enticing chapter in New York Mets baseball.