Mets Sign Frankie Montas: A Calculated Gamble with Potential Upside
In a bid to fortify their pitching rotation, the New York Mets have signed right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas to a two-year contract valued at $34 million. At 31, Montas has already experienced a career marked by both potential and volatility, but the belief within the Mets' organization remains firm: Montas possesses the ingredients for success, even if his recent performances have been less than stellar.
A Career That Spans Several Teams
Montas, who played for both the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers last season, is no stranger to transitions. Despite posting a 4.84 ERA in his 30 starts, his capacity to influence games remains a matter of interest. The 2.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio reflects an effort to control the plate, but it's the adjustments made during his stint with the Brewers that provide a glimpse into his potential future performance with the Mets.
While with the Brewers, Montas placed greater emphasis on his sinker and cutter, minimizing the use of his slider and splitter—the latter two being parts of his arsenal that public-facing pitch-quality models rate as above average. Indeed, Montas' pitching repertoire, featuring two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, a splitter, and a slider, underlines the versatility and depth that make him an intriguing addition to any team.
A Calculated Move by the Mets
The decision to acquire Montas comes at a crucial time for the Mets, as they face the potential departure of Jose Quintana through free agency. Under the guidance of David Stearns, their top baseball operations executive, the Mets are primed to embrace strategic additions. The prior winter saw them securing pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term contracts, showing a penchant for high-ceiling moves in the pitching department.
Montas' past interactions with the Cy Young Award voting, where he once placed as high as sixth, stand testimony to a career that has seen both challenges and high points. Notably, Montas made just eight starts for the New York Yankees in 2022 and was sidelined for the better part of 2023. Nevertheless, the Mets have expressed confidence in Montas' ability to contribute meaningfully.
Investing in Potential
Montas’ journey to becoming a Met must be seen through the lens of potential. The Mets are not merely gambling; they are investing in the possibility of unlocking what Montas can become. "The ingredients are here for better numbers," echoes the sentiment within the Mets' hierarchy and is indicative of a calculated risk they believe will pay dividends.
The contract reflects the Mets' ambition to remain competitive, aligning with their broader strategy to build a team capable of challenging for top honors in the league. Despite Montas’ recent struggles, the organization is banking on his potential and ability to return to his previous form, particularly the sort that once made him a contender in Cy Young discussions. They see in him a pitcher who, with the right support and adjustments, can deliver consistent, game-changing performances.
The Seasons Ahead
As Montas dons the Mets uniform, fans and analysts alike will watch keenly to observe how this step in his career unfolds. With a rich pitching arsenal at his disposal and a supportive environment, Montas is positioned to write a new chapter. He brings with him the unpredictability of a seasoned player who has known both triumph and trial, with the Mets hoping to extract the former in abundance.
As the immediate future materializes, what remains to be seen is how Frankie Montas will respond to the pressures and expectations of New York's demanding baseball atmosphere. Nevertheless, his signing signals more than just a roster addition; it hints at the Mets' broader intent to remain key players when it counts, with Montas potentially being a vital part of that strategy.