Mets solidify their rotation with veteran right-hander Frankie Montas.
A New Chapter in Queens
Frankie Montas and the New York Mets have officially agreed on a two-year, $34 million contract, a move that aims to strengthen the team’s pitching rotation ahead of the 2024 season. The deal, finalized on Wednesday, includes a $17 million annual salary and a notable perk—a hotel suite for road trips. Montas also has a $17 million player option for 2026, giving him flexibility for the future.
A Mixed 2023 Season
Montas, who will turn 32 in March, split his 2023 season between the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers. Despite a challenging year overall, finishing with a 7-11 record and a 4.84 ERA, Montas showed promise during his stint with the NL Central champion Brewers. Acquired just before the trade deadline, he posted a 3-3 record and a 4.55 ERA in 11 starts. His strikeout rate notably increased from 19% to an impressive 28.7% after joining Milwaukee.
Mets See Potential
Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns expressed optimism about the signing. “We are excited to bring Frankie into the organization and add a quality arm to our major league rotation,” Stearns said. “Throughout his career, Frankie has flashed some of the best stuff in the game. He’ll provide a stabilizing presence to our pitching staff and can contribute on and off the field.”
Montas’ experience and potential to dominate on the mound make him a valuable asset as the Mets look to rebuild their pitching roster following the departure of key players like Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana, who became free agents after the team’s impressive run to the National League Championship Series.
Past Achievements and Future Goals
Montas has had a solid MLB career, boasting a 44-46 record with a 4.09 ERA across nine seasons. He’s pitched for the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, and most recently, the Brewers. His standout season came in 2021 with Oakland when he went 13-9, posted a 3.37 ERA, and struck out a career-high 207 batters, earning him a sixth-place finish in AL Cy Young Award voting.
Filling Gaps in the Mets’ Roster
Even with Montas in the mix, the Mets still have work to do. The team is actively seeking bullpen reinforcements to support closer Edwin Díaz and will need to address the loss of Pete Alonso, who became a free agent after hitting 34 home runs in 2023. Minor league signings like Génesis Cabrera and Joey Meneses could also play a role in spring training as the Mets prepare for another competitive season.
A Calculated Gamble
While Montas missed most of the 2023 season due to shoulder surgery, his history of strong performances makes him a high-upside addition to the Mets’ roster. If he can return to his 2021 form, Montas could become a critical piece of the team’s push for playoff success in 2024. For now, Mets fans can look forward to seeing how this veteran right-hander adapts to the bright lights of New York.