New York Mets Bolster Rotation with Frankie Montas Signing
In a strategic move that underscores their ambitions to stay competitive at the top level, the New York Mets have secured the services of right-hander Frankie Montas with a two-year contract valued at $34 million. Montas, 31, adds depth and experience to a pitching unit that might soon see vacancies with the potential free-agent departure of Jose Quintana.
Montas had a diverse 2023 season, splitting his time between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite a challenging year where he posted a 4.84 ERA over 30 starts, Montas exhibited flashes of brilliance that David Stearns, the Mets' top baseball operations executive, believes can translate into stronger performances at Citi Field. "The ingredients are here for better numbers," an optimistic observer noted regarding Montas' potential.
A Versatile Pitching Arsenal
One of Montas' standout attributes is his diverse suite of pitches. His arsenal includes two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, a splitter, and a slider, which offers the Mets a level of versatility within the rotation. After joining the Brewers last season, Montas shifted his focus towards his sinker and cutter, while using his slider and splitter less frequently. Despite this shift in approach, public-facing pitch-quality models rate his slider, splitter, and sweeper as above average, suggesting room for strategic refinement to maximize effectiveness.
Montas has been a journeyman of sorts throughout his career, making 10-plus starts in a season on six occasions. His capability has also been recognized in the form of Cy Young Award votes, finishing as high as sixth in voting during a previous season. This is an indication of the impact Montas can have when he is fully fit and in form.
However, health and consistency have somewhat eluded Montas in recent years. Following a less impactful tenure with the New York Yankees—markedly only making eight starts in 2022 before injuries curtailed most of his 2023 season—the Mets have nevertheless taken a calculated gamble on his upside.
A Commitment to Competitiveness
The acquisition of Montas is consistent with the Mets' strategy of building a robust pitching staff. In the previous offseason, the Mets added seasoned pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino on short-term contracts, emphasizing their focus on bolstering the veteran presence and stabilizing their rotation. This pattern shows a clear commitment from the Mets' management to maintain depth and experience in a lineup that seeks to vie for top honors in one of baseball's most competitive environments.
Montas' signing reveals both an immediate remedy for the possibility of losing Jose Quintana and a long-term investment in a pitcher who could regain top-tier form. His blend of pitch variety and prior accolades within Cy Young considerations provide a glimpse of the high ceiling the Mets are hoping to tap into.
For Montas, the move to New York presents an opportunity to reset and capitalize on his potential in a larger market where those "ingredients" have previously shown potential to blend into a standout performer. The Mets are betting on their ability to refine Montas’ approach, incorporating more of his publicly-rated above-average pitches into his game plan to garner results that reflect his intrinsic capabilities.
The Path Forward
Looking forward, Montas will aim to establish himself as a reliable figure in the Mets' rotation. His adaptability and history of making significant mid-season adjustments to his pitch selection indicate an openness to change that may synergize well with the Mets' coaching staff. Given the right conditions and support, Montas could indeed achieve the "better numbers" that many believe are attainable.
The Mets’ addition of Montas to their roster encapsulates a strategy that hopes to blend immediate needs for stability with long-term bets on talent revitalization. As Montas dons the Mets uniform, both the player and the team will be setting sights on rewarding this calculated venture with competitive successes come the new season.