In a move that indicates their ongoing commitment to strengthen their pitching rotation, the New York Mets have secured right-hander Frankie Montas on a two-year contract worth $34 million. Montas, 31, brings a wealth of experience and potential to the Mets as they aim to make significant strides in the upcoming Major League Baseball season.
A Rollercoaster Career
Frankie Montas has had his share of ups and downs in the majors. Last season, he was on the rosters of two teams, the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, making a total of 30 starts. His performance was solid, if not spectacular, with a 4.84 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.24. These numbers might not cause immediate excitement, but delving deeper into Montas' pitching style reveals reasons for optimism.
After joining the Brewers, Montas made a strategic adjustment, placing greater emphasis on his sinker and cutter while relying less on his slider and splitter. This adaptation contributes to the nuanced pitcher he is today. Pitch-quality assessments rating Montas' slider, splitter, and sweeper as above-average suggest he has the tools necessary to excel further.
Versatile Arsenal, High Potential
Montas' pitching arsenal is diverse and formidable, including two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, a splitter, and a slider. This variety allows him to navigate different batting line-ups with confidence. Public-facing pitch-quality models praise Montas for his slider, splitter, and sweeper, all described as above-average offerings in his toolkit.
As David Stearns takes charge as the top operations executive for the Mets, the decision to acquire Montas reflects a strategic choice to elevate the team's competitiveness. Stearns, alongside the Mets' front office, envisages Montas' potential to deliver pivotal contributions that could prove to be game-changing for the team's aspirations.
Past Success as a Beacon of Hope
Despite a less impactful stint with the New York Yankees, where Montas was limited to just eight starts in 2022 and missed much of 2023, his past performances reveal the kind of player the Mets hope he can be again. Montas has demonstrated resilience, making 10-plus starts in six different seasons throughout his career. Additionally, his past recognition in Cy Young Award voting, where he finished as high as sixth place, showcases the heights of performance he is capable of achieving.
The Mets have a precedent of securing short-term pitching talents who contribute positively, exemplified by the acquisitions of Sean Manaea and Luis Severino. As the team faces the potential departure of free agent Jose Quintana, adding Montas on a two-year contract aligns with their strategy of reinforcing their rotation depth.
Building Towards a Brighter Future
The decision to sign Montas speaks volumes about the Mets' broader ambitions. By investing in a pitcher of his caliber and potential, the organization makes a clear statement of intent to contend for top honors in the league. The sentiment within the Mets' camp is upbeat, with an underlying belief that "the ingredients are here for better numbers," referring to Montas' prospective impact on the mound.
For the Mets, Montas represents not just a strategic asset for the upcoming season, but a seasoned professional who can contribute toward building a resilient pitching core. With the right mix of skills and experience, and under the new stewardship of their baseball operations team, Montas might just find the platform he needs to rediscover his best form. As the league gears for another enthralling season, all eyes will be on how Montas integrates into the Mets' setup, potentially serving as a cornerstone of their fight for glory.