In a move signaling their continued pursuit of competitiveness within Major League Baseball, the New York Mets have inked right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas to a lucrative two-year contract worth $34 million. The deal comes as the Mets, under the watchful eye of top baseball operations executive David Stearns, look to reinforce their pitching staff amidst potential transitions, including the possible free-agent departure of Jose Quintana.
Montas, who is 31, joins the Mets after stints with the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers last season. His recent performance saw him starting 30 games, albeit with a modest 4.84 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.24. However, the Mets clearly see greater potential in Montas, despite his less impactful showing with the New York Yankees, where he made only eight starts in 2022 and missed almost the entirety of 2023.
Much of Montas’ appeal lies in his diverse pitching arsenal, which includes two mid-90s fastballs, complemented by a cutter, splitter, and slider. Following his transition to the Brewers, he adjusted his approach by placing greater emphasis on his sinker and cutter—an adaptation that forms the groundwork for the Mets' optimism. Public-facing pitch-quality models rate Montas' slider, splitter, and sweeper as above average, indicating the standout aspects of his repertoire that the Mets hope to leverage.
The team's management believes that with these "ingredients," as suggested by insiders, there is room for Montas to deliver improved numbers moving forward. This insight aligns with the propensity of such moves to yield big payoffs when talented players like Montas tap into their best form. His track record showcases his ability to be a rotation mainstay, evidenced by making more than ten starts across six different seasons, and achieving a top-six finish in the Cy Young Award voting in a previous season.
While his past performances at the Yankees cast some doubt, Montas' history indicates resilience and a potential well of untapped excellence. The Mets' investment is a calculated gamble on that potential, anticipating that Montas will be a pivotal figure as they look to uphold their competitive edge in the league. Enhancing their rotation to compete at the highest levels isn’t new to the Mets; last winter saw them acquiring pitchers like Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term deals, embodying their strategic focus on maintaining a robust pitching lineup.
Indeed, Montas’ arrival aligns with the Mets’ broader aspirations for the future. With the surrounding context of the pitching staff in transition, the move points towards a deliberate strategy designed to keep the team competitive and resilient against the rigors of a rigorous MLB season. Montas is expected to not only fill potential gaps but also push the boundaries of his own performance envelope, buoyed by a supportive pitching infrastructure at the Mets.
As Montas dawns the Mets jersey, both the team and its fans eagerly anticipate what he brings to the mound. With the possibility of better performances lying ahead, the Mets have made a move that could very well be pivotal in their pursuit of top honors in the league.