In a decisive step to bolster their pitching rotation, the New York Mets have come to an agreement with right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas on a two-year contract worth $34 million. With sources confirming the deal to ESPN on Sunday night, Montas emerges as a vital addition amid a season marked by significant changes, especially following the departure of key pitchers from last season’s roster. This signing marks the Mets‘ first move in what is anticipated to be a transformative offseason, underscoring their commitment to remain competitive.
Montas, now 31, joins a group that includes fellow starters Kodai Senga and David Peterson, representing a fresh chapter for the Mets after the free agency of Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana. While the possibility of re-signing any of these former rotation anchors remains viable, the team opted to pursue Montas, a player capable of opting out of his contract after the first year, pending a physical. This strategic maneuver not only fills an immediate gap but also allows for future flexibility.
The Veteran Pitcher’s Journey
Montas’s career has been a rollercoaster ride; he has demonstrated glimpses of frontline starter abilities, combining an impressive array of pitches, including a fastball that consistently reaches 96 mph. However, his recent history has been marred by injury, most notably undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in 2023. Last season, he managed only 1⅓ innings, leading the Cincinnati Reds to trade him to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he finished with a favorable strikeout-to-walk ratio despite a less than stellar ERA of 4.84 over 150⅔ innings. This signing presents an opportunity for Montas to revitalize his career under the intense spotlight of New York baseball.
The financial implications of this signing are noteworthy. The Mets have significantly reduced their payroll, slashing approximately $150 million from last season’s figures, particularly by parting ways with high-profile players like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. This frugality opens the door for aggressive pursuit of other free agents, including superstar outfielder Juan Soto, who bends the narrative towards a potential blockbuster deal. Montas’s connection to Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, could enhance the likelihood of such moves.
Despite underestimations at the season’s onset, the Mets delivered a commendable performance, reaching the National League Championship Series after navigating a challenging path through the playoffs. Their remarkable journey showcased the importance of a strong starting rotation. With Montas’s arrival, the Mets aim to reinforce their pitching staff further, ensuring they remain formidable contenders. The success of their rotation is pivotal, especially with the health uncertainties from past seasons; Montas represents both a risk and a potential reward in the Mets’ quest for playoff credibility.
Frankie Montas’s signing with the New York Mets not only enhances their pitching arsenal but also reflects a calculated approach to staffing and payroll management as they embark on a busy offseason filled with possibilities.
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