The New York Mets are making moves that signal their determined pursuit of success in the upcoming baseball seasons. In a bold step, the Mets have signed right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas to a two-year deal valued at $34 million. This signing is part of a broader strategy by the Mets to fortify their pitching staff, an endeavor led by the team’s top baseball operations executive, David Stearns.
Montas, who is 31, arrives in New York with a solid resume. Despite a challenging stint, the Mets see untapped potential in Montas, believing he has the capability to become a cornerstone of their rotation. This belief is underscored by the assessment that "the ingredients are here for better numbers," a sentiment that captures the optimism surrounding his acquisition.
Montas’ Versatile Pitching Arsenal
Frankie Montas boasts an impressive pitching arsenal, which includes two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, a splitter, and a slider. His slider, splitter, and sweeper have been rated as above average by public-facing pitch-quality models. These attributes promise to add depth and versatility to the Mets' pitching lineup.
Last season, Montas played for both the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, making 30 starts and posting a 4.84 ERA. His strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.24 reflects his ability to control the game, although the Mets are likely hoping for improvement in these metrics. After joining the Brewers, Montas adjusted his approach by emphasizing his sinker and cutter, while lessening his reliance on his slider and splitter, a tactical shift that may evolve further under the Mets’ coaching staff.
A Career with Potential and Promise
Montas' career, while not without its challenges, has shown flashes of brilliance. He has been among the Cy Young Award voting ranks, having finished as high as sixth in previous seasons. His journey, however, hasn't been without hurdles. Notably, his time with the New York Yankees in 2022 was short-lived, with Montas making only eight starts before missing almost all of 2023. Despite this, the Mets have expressed confidence in his ability to make meaningful contributions.
The short-lived but promising phases of Montas’ career indicate why the Mets see him as an asset. He has made 10-plus starts in six different seasons, demonstrating durability that could prove invaluable for the team's rotation. With Jose Quintana facing potential free agency departure, Montas’ experience and skill set become even more crucial.
Strategic Moves by the Mets
The signing of Montas comes after the Mets’ decision last winter to add pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term contracts. These moves are indicative of a strategic approach to building a robust rotation that can compete at the highest levels. By blending short-term signings with longer commitments like Montas’, the Mets are crafting a balanced pathway to maintain competitiveness while managing roster flexibility.
Montas’ arrival in New York signals the Mets’ unwavering ambition to vie for top honors in the league. With Stearns at the helm of their baseball operations, the franchise is taking calculated risks to bolster their chances for success. Montas, with his varied experience and potential for a breakout performance, is a testament to the team's foresight and commitment to investing in talents that promise high returns.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Frankie Montas and how he contributes to the Mets’ pursuit of excellence. His performance on the mound will be scrutinized, assessed, and, perhaps, lauded as a crucial component of the Mets' ambitions. The narrative of Montas' career with New York is just starting, and both the fans and the franchise are eager to see how he harnesses his skills in pursuit of victory.