In a move that underscores their ambition and focus on strengthening their rotation, the New York Mets have secured the services of right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas on a two-year agreement valued at $34 million. Montas, at 31 years of age, brings a wealth of experience and a diverse pitching arsenal to a Mets team eager to compete for top honors in the coming seasons.
Montas joins the Mets following a season spent with both the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, during which he made 30 starts and registered a 4.84 ERA with a 2.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While these numbers are respectable, they perhaps do not fully reflect Montas' potential impact—a sentiment seemingly shared by the Mets' decision-makers.
David Stearns, the Mets' top baseball operations executive, appears to have been impressed by Montas’ ability to adapt and adjust his pitching style. After his mid-season switch to the Brewers, Montas placed greater emphasis on utilizing his sinker and cutter, however, he reduced the use of his slider and splitter. This strategic change demonstrates a versatility that could prove advantageous for the Mets, especially given that public-facing pitch-quality models rate Montas' slider, splitter, and sweeper as above average.
Montas' Diverse Arsenal
The right-hander's pitching repertoire—which includes two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, a splitter, and a slider—provides the Mets with a solid foundation upon which to build. Montas' adaptability on the mound is expected to enhance the team's pitching dynamics, particularly if he continues to refine the balance and execution of his arsenal.
Montas brings a notable resume to New York, highlighted by six seasons in which he has made over ten starts and a past brush with Cy Young consideration, having finished as high as sixth in voting in an earlier season. Despite a less impactful 2022 stint with the New York Yankees, where he managed only eight starts and then missed almost all of 2023, the Mets see Montas’ true potential as significant.
"The ingredients are here for better numbers," a general observation that aligns with the Mets’ belief in Montas’ capabilities, hints at the untapped potential seen by those within the organization.
Strategic Moves By the Mets
This signing fits into a broader strategy from the Mets, who have shown a willingness to bet on talent with high upside. Last winter, the organization brought in pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term contracts. These moves underscore the franchise's understanding of the importance of flexibility and depth in the pitching department, particularly given the looming uncertainty surrounding the potential departure of Jose Quintana, a key free agent.
For Montas, the upcoming seasons present an opportunity to cement himself as a central figure in the Mets’ rotation. Should he manage to match or exceed prior performances, his addition could be pivotal in propelling the Mets toward their competitive aspirations.
The acquisition signals an intent from the Mets' front office to not only bolster their pitching staff but also send a clear message to competitors: they are serious about contending at the highest level. This commitment, reflected in both financial investment and strategic foresight, aims to position the team as a leading force within the league.
As spring training looms on the horizon, all eyes will be on Frankie Montas to see if he can fulfill the potential envisioned by the Mets. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to witness whether Montas’ journey in Queens lives up to the promise of this ambitious acquisition.