The New York Mets have completed a significant two-year, $34 million deal with right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas, adding a powerful arm to their rotation. Montas, 31, is expected to bolster the Mets’ pitching staff as they look to contend for postseason success in the coming seasons.
Montas spent most of the 2023 season with the New York Yankees, but injuries hindered his performance. He underwent shoulder surgery during the season and was sidelined for a significant stretch, which limited his effectiveness. Before his injury, Montas had shown promise, particularly during his time with the Oakland Athletics. In 2021, he posted a strong 3.37 ERA and 207 strikeouts in 187 innings, showcasing his potential as a reliable front-line starter. Despite the injury setbacks, the Mets are banking on Montas’ ability to return to that form, giving them depth and stability in their rotation.
The deal represents a calculated risk for the Mets, who are hoping that Montas can bounce back to his previous level of performance. If healthy, Montas would provide the Mets with a solid No. 3 or No. 4 starter, capable of eating innings and keeping games competitive. His fastball and slider combination has been his bread-and-butter pitch, and if he regains full health, he could be a crucial part of a pitching staff that includes standout aces like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, who are already in their mid-to-late 30s.
For Montas, this contract is an opportunity to prove his worth and secure his future as a key contributor in a competitive market. The Mets’ front office, led by general manager Billy Eppler, is betting that Montas’ upside outweighs the risks associated with his recent injury history.
Ultimately, the success of the deal will hinge on Montas’ ability to stay healthy and return to his previous level of performance, a factor that could shape the Mets’ playoff hopes in the years to come.
