Mets Strengthen Rotation with Frankie Montas Signing
In a bold move aimed at bolstering their starting rotation, the New York Mets have secured the services of right-hander Frankie Montas on a two-year deal worth $34 million. At 31, Montas brings a mixed bag of experience and potential to a Mets team determined to assert its dominance in the league.
Montas comes off a season where he made 30 starts across two teams—the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers. Over those outings, he posted a 4.84 ERA, a statistic that might not immediately impress, but the underlying indicators suggest he might be on the cusp of improvement. "The ingredients are here for better numbers," as some analysts have keenly observed.
Part of the optimism surrounding Montas stems from his dynamic pitching arsenal, which includes two mid-90s fastballs complemented by a cutter, slider, and splitter. While Montas focused more on his sinker and cutter after his mid-season move to Milwaukee, public-facing pitch-quality models continue to rate his slider, splitter, and sweeper as above average. His ability to mix pitches effectively could be key to his success in New York.
Adjustments and Potential
Notably, his tenure with the Yankees in 2022 was short-lived as injuries limited him to just eight starts, and he missed nearly all of 2023. Nonetheless, the Mets believe that with the right adjustments and a concerted focus on his strengths, Montas has the potential to become a vital cog in their rotation machine.
His track record suggests as much. Montas has consistently been a durable presence on the mound, with the added bonus of having been among the Cy Young Award voters' considerations, finishing as high as sixth in a previous season. It's this resume that intrigues the Mets' top baseball operations executive, David Stearns, even amid the potential free-agent departure of Jose Quintana.
The signing comes on the heels of last winter’s additions of pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino, who were brought in on short-term contracts. While both moves signaled the Mets’ commitment to shoring up their pitching, Montas’ acquisition underscores a broader ambition: to craft a formidable rotation that can compete with baseball’s elite.
Future Prospects
As the Mets look to the future, Montas offers both potential upside and a hint of risk. His recent performance suggests room for improvement, especially if he can rediscover the form that once made him a Cy Young contender. It’s this potential that the Mets are banking on, hoping that under their stewardship, Montas can flourish and contribute significantly to their quest for top honors in the league.
Ultimately, while fans may view his recent stats with skepticism, the strategy behind such acquisitions reveals the Mets' long-term vision and commitment to excellence. In signing Montas, the Mets not only add depth and experience to their roster but also make a statement of intent about their aspirations in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.