In a bold move signaling their ambition to rejuvenate the pitching staff and compete at the highest level, the New York Mets have inked a two-year, $34 million deal with veteran right-hander Frankie Montas. Known for his previous stints with the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers, Montas brings with him a mixed bag of previous successes and recent challenges. At 31, Montas is poised to contribute his ample experience and unique skill set to the Mets’ arsenal.
A Proven Arsenal
Montas has constructed a reputable arsenal comprising two mid-90s fastballs, complemented by a cutter, splitter, and slider. His slider, splitter, and sweeper are particularly noteworthy, having been rated as above average by public-facing pitch-quality models. Even as Montas transitioned his focus to his sinker and cutter with the Brewers last season, his other pitches remain a crucial part of his repertoire.
Last season, Montas made 30 starts, ending with a 4.84 ERA and a 2.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While these numbers might not immediately suggest dominance, especially when juxtaposed with his earlier career moments such as finishing as high as sixth in the Cy Young Award voting, insiders see potential for better output. “The ingredients are here for better numbers,” some observers note, hinting at the unexploited capabilities Montas could bring to the Mets.
A Strategic Signing
The decision to sign Montas is a calculated one by the Mets, especially given his less impactful tenure with the Yankees, where he only made eight starts in 2022 and spent much of 2023 on the sidelines. The Mets’ top baseball operations executive, David Stearns, evidently sees untapped potential in Montas, seeking to infuse his experience and strategic versatility into the Mets' rotation.
Stearns is no stranger to executing such strategic maneuvers, having added pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term contracts in previous seasons. The current roster could face a shake-up with the potential departure of Jose Quintana to free agency, thereby elevating the importance of Montas’ addition.
A Complex Portrait
Montas presents a complex portrait as a pitcher who has demonstrated both resilience and the ability to adapt. His journey to the Mets is marked by variability—years of promise interspersed with unforeseen challenges. Amid these ups and downs, Montas has proven himself as a reliable starter, with more than 10 starts in six career seasons thus far. His ability to adapt is applicable both on the mound and in how teams might deploy him for optimal performance.
His adaptation was particularly evident after his acquisition by the Brewers. By honing his focus on the sinker and cutter, Montas sought to rejuvenate his skill set, signaling to league analysts and fans alike that he was willing to recalibrate his style to find renewed success. The Mets are banking on Montas replicating and expanding upon that same adaptability in New York.
Setting Expectations
As Montas dons the Mets jersey, expectations are high, not just from fans but also from the Mets' leadership who believe in his potential to contribute significantly. Considering Montas’ pitching arsenal and past accolades, there’s confidence that he can rise to the occasion, embodying the Mets’ ambition to challenge for top honors.
The signing, therefore, is not only a reflection of the immediate needs driven by Quintana’s potential free agency but also represents the organization's foresight in consolidating a formidable pitching roster capable of withstanding the competitive pressures of the season.
Montas now stands at the threshold of another significant chapter in his career. For the Mets, the journey with Montas is poised to unfold as a promising investment in both experience and potential, bridging current capabilities with future aspirations. His performance will ultimately determine whether the calculated risks taken by the Mets front office will turn into a reward, contributing to the team’s pursuit of glory in Major League Baseball.