Mets Bolster Pitching Rotation with Frankie Montas Addition
The New York Mets continue their strategic offseason maneuvers by securing right-hander Frankie Montas with a two-year, $34 million contract. At 31, Montas arrives in New York with the reputation of a seasoned pitcher who has displayed flashes of brilliance alongside moments of inconsistency. This signing aligns with the Mets' ongoing commitment to fortify their pitching staff under the leadership of top baseball operations executive, David Stearns.
Montas' acquisition comes on the heels of his recent experiences with the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers. Over the past season, Montas made 30 starts, registering a 4.84 ERA and a 2.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, after his transition to the Brewers, Montas honed his pitching approach, focusing more on his sinker and cutter while dialing back his slider and splitter usage. This adjustment underscores his adaptability and willingness to evolve with each new challenge.
Public-facing pitch-quality models have rated his slider, splitter, and sweeper as above average, highlighting the potential that the Mets see in him. Montas’ comprehensive pitching arsenal includes two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, splitter, and slider—each offering diverse strategies to tackle opposing hitters.
Despite a less impactful stint with the New York Yankees in 2022, where he made only eight starts and missed most of 2023, the Mets' decision to sign Montas illustrates their belief in his ability to rebound and contribute significantly. "The ingredients are here for better numbers," an observation shared by analysts, suggests an anticipatory outlook on Montas' potential performance.
Strategic Moves and Ambitious Goals
The Mets’ recent signing of Montas complements their previous winter acquisitions of pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term contracts. These moves reflect a clear strategy to assemble a diverse and flexible pitching roster capable of competing at the highest levels. Facing the potential departure of free-agent pitcher Jose Quintana, Montas’ signing also serves as a crucial step to fill any impending voids in the rotation.
Montas is no stranger to high-stakes competition, having made 10-plus starts in six different seasons and being in the conversation for the Cy Young Award, finishing as high as sixth in a previous run. Such accolades demonstrate that Montas, when at his best, has the talent and drive to be among the league’s elite pitchers.
Integrating Montas: The Mets’ Strategy
The addition of Montas signals the Mets' ambition to not only maintain but elevate their standing within the league. With a versatile pitcher like Montas in their ranks, the Mets are equipped to implement various tactical approaches throughout the season, adapting to the evolving dynamics of their competition.
David Stearns and the Mets’ front office clearly see an opportunity to harness Montas’ past experiences and promising arsenal into tangible success on the field. By investing in Montas, the Mets are staking a claim not only in his ability to put up better numbers but also in the broader goal of positioning the team as a formidable contender for league honors.
Ultimately, this move represents more than just filling a position; it’s an embodiment of a broader narrative—the Mets’ unwavering pursuit of excellence and resilience, looking to overcome past shortcomings to claim their place at the pinnacle of the sport. As Montas dons the Mets uniform, all eyes will be on him to see if he can indeed become the linchpin of a pitching staff built on promise and potential.