Mets Strengthen Rotation with Montas Signing
The New York Mets have made a splash in the offseason by securing right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas on a two-year deal worth $34 million. This acquisition signals the Mets' determination to bolster their pitching rotation as they aim for competitiveness in the upcoming seasons.
Frankie Montas, at 31, brings a wealth of experience and potential to Queens. Last season, he showcased his talents with both the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, making 30 starts. Despite a 4.84 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.24, the Mets see promise in Montas' abilities, particularly in his diverse pitching arsenal.
Montas' repertoire is indeed notable. He possesses two mid-90s fastballs, a slider, a splitter, and a cutter. It's this combination of pitches that caught the Mets' eye, especially after Montas began focusing more on his sinker and cutter post his trade to Milwaukee. Public-facing pitch-quality models have rated his slider, splitter, and sweeper as above average, suggesting there's untapped potential just waiting to be harnessed.
A Mixed 2022 and 2023: Lessons and Promise
Montas' journey hasn't been without its challenges. His time with the New York Yankees in 2022 was less than optimal, with Montas making just eight starts before health issues curtailed his 2023 season. However, this doesn’t overshadow the high points of his career. Previously, he made over ten starts in six separate seasons and was a noteworthy contender in Cy Young Award voting, finishing as high as sixth.
The Mets, under the leadership of top baseball operations executive David Stearns, are willing to take the chance on Montas despite his recent setbacks. They are counting on his ability to rebound and provide value that outweighs the concerns from his stint in the Bronx. “The ingredients are here for better numbers,” say sources close to the team, indicating a belief in Montas' capacity to refine his skills and become a key asset.
Strategic Moves: Mets' Pitching Plans
This signing comes as part of a broader strategy by the Mets to rejuvenate their pitching lineup. Last winter, they secured short-term contracts with Sean Manaea and Luis Severino, and now, with Montas in the fold, they're constructing a rotation capable of withstanding the rigors of a full MLB season.
The addition of Montas also preemptively addresses the potential rotational gap from the likely departure of veteran pitcher Jose Quintana, who is testing free agency. In securing Montas, the Mets aren’t just plugging a potential hole, they are doubling down on their ambition to compete at the highest levels of the league.
A Future of Potential and Determination
Frankie Montas' arrival in New York isn’t merely a gamble. It’s a calculated investment in a player whose ceiling has yet to be fully realized. The Mets organization envisions Montas making significant contributions, bringing experience and a varied toolkit to a team with aspirations of postseason success.
The Mets’ strategy is clear: they are accumulating a blend of established talents and those with something to prove. Their willingness to give Montas a chance reflects a commitment to depth and versatility, qualities that are essential in the grueling 162-game schedule of Major League Baseball.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Montas to see if he can fulfill the potential the Mets have identified. His performance could very well be a barometer of the Mets' collective fortunes. Regardless of the outcome, the acquisition is a bold statement, indicative of a franchise on the rise and unafraid to take calculated risks in pursuit of glory.