Frankie Montas Agrees to Deal with the Mets: A New Chapter in His Career
In a surprising turn of events, right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas has reportedly agreed to a deal with the New York Mets, a move that could significantly impact both his career trajectory and the team’s pitching staff. The deal marks a new chapter for Montas, who has already established himself as a formidable force on the mound but has also experienced setbacks in recent years. As the Mets continue to bolster their roster with key acquisitions, Montas could become an integral part of their pitching rotation, potentially taking on a leading role alongside established stars like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
The Journey of Frankie Montas
Frankie Montas’ journey to the major leagues has been anything but conventional. Born in the Dominican Republic, Montas was signed by the Chicago White Sox in 2009 as an international free agent. However, his breakthrough year didn’t come until much later in his career. Montas was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2016, a move that ultimately provided the opportunity for Montas to develop into a major league starter. He spent several seasons as a key member of the Athletics’ pitching staff, becoming known for his high-velocity fastball, nasty slider, and solid control. Montas’ ability to dominate hitters with his electric stuff quickly made him one of the most talked-about pitchers in the American League.
In 2021, Montas had a breakout season with the Athletics, posting a 3.37 ERA across 32 starts. His performance garnered interest from several playoff-contending teams, and rumors swirled about potential trades leading up to the deadline. While he ultimately remained with Oakland, it was clear that Montas had emerged as a legitimate ace in the making. His performance in 2022, though solid, was marred by a shoulder injury that affected his consistency, which led to a less-than-stellar finish to the season.
Montas was then traded to the New York Yankees ahead of the 2022 trade deadline in a deal that sent several prospects to Oakland. The Yankees were hoping to strengthen their rotation for a deep playoff run, and Montas was expected to be a key contributor. Unfortunately, his time in New York was disappointing, as he struggled to find his form and missed significant time due to shoulder issues. In 2023, Montas spent most of the year on the injured list, undergoing surgery to repair his shoulder, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
Despite the setbacks in his recent years, Montas’ raw talent and potential remain undeniable. His high-velocity fastball, which regularly touches the upper 90s, coupled with his slider and splitter, make him a dangerous pitcher when healthy. Now, as Montas enters the 2024 season with the Mets, he’ll be looking to prove that he can return to his previous form and become a key piece of the Mets’ pitching rotation.
The Mets’ Pitching Needs
The New York Mets have been in a state of flux over the past few seasons. After a disappointing 2023 season in which they finished below expectations, the Mets are determined to rebuild and retool their roster with an eye toward the future. While they already have a solid core of hitters, the pitching staff is an area that needed significant attention heading into the offseason.
Max Scherzer, one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, is still a key member of the rotation, but at 40 years old, his best years are likely behind him. Justin Verlander, another former Cy Young Award winner, joined the Mets in 2023, and while he was effective, age and injuries have led to questions about how much longer he can maintain elite performance. The Mets also have promising younger arms like Kodai Senga, but there is a need for more depth and reliability in the rotation.
Enter Frankie Montas. The Mets have been in search of a durable, high-ceiling pitcher who can contribute not only in the short term but also long-term. With Montas, they are getting a pitcher who has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation arm when healthy. If Montas can return to form, he could become a key cog in the Mets’ rotation, providing the team with the depth it needs to compete in the hyper-competitive National League East.
The Risk and Reward of Montas
While the potential reward of Montas is clear, the risk associated with his signing cannot be ignored. Injuries have been a significant factor in Montas’ career, particularly in the last few seasons. After missing a large portion of 2023 due to shoulder surgery, the Mets are taking a gamble on Montas’ health. If he can stay healthy and rediscover his previous form, the Mets could have a pitcher who is capable of posting a sub-3.50 ERA and striking out a high number of hitters. However, if injuries continue to plague him, the Mets could find themselves with a high-risk, high-reward pitcher who might not be able to contribute at the level they need.
The good news for the Mets is that they have the resources and medical staff to closely monitor Montas’ rehabilitation and ensure that he is prepared to pitch at a high level. The Mets have already demonstrated their commitment to improving their roster by signing players like Verlander and Senga, and Montas represents another potential upside play.
Montas’ Impact on the Mets’ Rotation
If Montas is able to return to his peak form, he could slot in as the No. 3 or No. 4 starter in the Mets’ rotation, behind Verlander and Scherzer. This would give the Mets a formidable trio at the top of their rotation, with Montas serving as a reliable option for the middle of the rotation. In a league that is increasingly driven by pitching, the Mets would be well-positioned to compete with some of the top teams in the NL if Montas can perform at his best.
Beyond his raw stuff, Montas’ mental makeup and competitive nature could be valuable assets to the Mets’ clubhouse. He has faced adversity in his career and demonstrated resilience in coming back from injuries, and that kind of mentality could be contagious in a clubhouse that is focused on bouncing back from a disappointing 2023 season.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 season approaches, the signing of Frankie Montas marks an important step in the Mets’ efforts to reshape their pitching staff. While Montas represents a high-risk, high-reward proposition, the potential upside he offers is too enticing for the Mets to ignore. If he can stay healthy and return to his previous form, Montas could become a key piece in the Mets’ rotation, providing the team with much-needed depth and reliability.
The deal also signals the Mets’ continued commitment to improving their roster and making a run at postseason contention in 2024. With the right mix of veteran leadership, young talent, and high-upside acquisitions like Montas, the Mets could find themselves in contention for a playoff spot once again. For Montas, this is a pivotal moment in his career — one that could determine whether he is able to live up to his potential and become the ace many believe he can be. The Mets and their fans will be hoping that this new chapter brings the success both Montas and the team have been waiting for.
