The New York Mets Take a Calculated Gamble on Frankie Montas
The New York Mets have made a bold statement in their pursuit of baseball excellence by signing right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas to a two-year deal worth $34 million. This move reflects the Mets' ambition to solidify their pitching rotation and compete at the highest levels of Major League Baseball.
At 31 years old, Montas brings a wealth of experience and potential to the Mets. This veteran right-hander, who has played in MLB for several seasons, has a track record of 10-plus starts in six different campaigns, and he emerged as a noteworthy talent by finishing as high as sixth in the Cy Young Award voting in a previous season. The Mets' leadership clearly sees the potential for Montas to regain his form and contribute significantly to their cause.
Despite a less impactful stint with the New York Yankees in 2022, during which Montas made only eight starts followed by nearly an entire year missed in 2023, the Mets remain optimistic. The previous winter, the Mets made similar daring moves by adding pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term contracts, indicating their willingness to invest in competent arms despite previous setbacks. As per Mets' top baseball operations executive David Stearns, "The ingredients are here for better numbers," expressing faith in Montas' potential resurgence.
Montas' performance last season, split between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, further underscores his capacity for reinvention. He started 30 games, posting a 4.84 ERA with a 2.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While these numbers might not leap off the page, the Mets believe there is more beneath the surface. During his time with the Brewers, Montas altered his repertoire, emphasizing his sinker and cutter while de-emphasizing his slider and splitter. Such adjustments hint at a pitcher willing to evolve—a trait highly valued in the competitive world of baseball.
Montas' pitching arsenal remains potent, consisting of two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, a splitter, and a slider. Interestingly, public-facing pitch-quality models rate Montas' slider, splitter, and sweeper as above-average offerings, suggesting that his current numbers could indeed belie latent potential.
The Mets' decision to bring Montas aboard comes as they face uncertainties in their rotation, including the potential free agency departure of Jose Quintana. While Quintana's possible exit creates a void, the Montas acquisition could be a strategic hedge against such losses, reinforcing the Mets' ambition to remain competitive and challenge for top honors in the league.
Leveraging Montas' skills effectively will be crucial for the Mets as they aim to navigate the grueling MLB season. With David Stearns at the helm, the organization appears committed to crafting a roster capable of challenging for championship glory. The acquisition of Montas, despite his recent struggles, could turn out to be a masterstroke if he can revive the form that once made him a Cy Young contender.
The signing of Frankie Montas is not just a bet on his ability to deliver here and now but an investment in the future potential of his pitching brilliance. As the Mets eagerly await the beginning of the season, all eyes will be on Montas to see if he can rise to the occasion and help propel the team towards their goals.