The New York Mets made headlines by securing a two-year, $34 million contract with right-hander Frankie Montas, marking their inaugural free-agent signing of the offseason. The decision to bring Montas onboard is a strategic move aimed at reinforcing a rotation that has faced significant attrition, particularly with several key pitchers entering the free-agent market. At 31 years old, Montas brings experience and a diverse skill set that suggests he can be a valuable addition to the team’s pitching roster, which now includes Kodai Senga and David Peterson.
With Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana all exploring free agency, the Mets were in dire need of stability in their starting rotation. While a reunion with any of their former stalwarts remains a possibility, the Mets have opted to invest in Montas, who boasts an opt-out clause after his first year—a factor that could play a significant role in future roster decisions. The fact that he can showcase his potential for a larger payday after just one season adds an intriguing layer to the signing.
Montas’s career has been marked by moments of brilliance, highlighted by a fastball that typically hovers around 96 mph, complemented by an effective splitter, slider, and cutter. However, his performance in 2023 casts a shadow over his recent potential; after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery, he only pitched 1⅓ innings. His previous stint with the Reds culminated in a 4.84 ERA over 150⅔ innings, coupled with a concerning tally of 24 home runs allowed. Despite these fixtures in his performance timeline, Montas has demonstrated the potential to be a frontline starter when healthy, which could prove essential for a Mets team looking to capitalize on the momentum of their unexpected playoff run last season.
The Mets have notably adjusted their payroll, shedding roughly $150 million in salary since last season, an aspect that positions them favorably in the current free-agent market. This financial flexibility might pave the way for pursuing high-profile players such as superstar outfielder Juan Soto, who shares an agent with Montas, highlighting potential synergies in their scouting strategies. Conversations related to numerous free agents suggest the Mets are actively engaging in broadening their roster’s potential.
Coming off a surprising postseason journey that saw the Mets reach the National League Championship Series, the team’s focus on reinforcing their pitching aligns perfectly with the lessons learned from last year’s playoff experience. Even with the loss of their Opening Day starter, the Mets’ pitchers secured a commendable 3.91 starters’ ERA, which can be further enhanced with the addition of Montas. The combination of enhancing their bullpen and exploring other key transactions could solidify the Mets’ standing as a competitive force in the coming season, as they seek not just playoff appearances, but a genuine challenge for the World Series title.