In a move aimed at shoring up their bullpen and solidifying their pitching staff for the next two seasons, the New York Mets have signed 31-year-old Frankie Montas to a two-year deal. The deal, reportedly worth $22 million, underscores the Mets’ commitment to adding experienced and versatile arms as they aim to compete in a loaded National League.
Montas’ Career Overview
Frankie Montas, a hard-throwing right-hander, has spent time as both a starter and a reliever throughout his MLB career, making him a valuable asset for the Mets’ pitching staff. Known for his mid-90s fastball and sharp slider, Montas has shown the ability to rack up strikeouts and keep hitters off balance.
He debuted in the major leagues in 2015 with the Chicago White Sox before making his mark with the Oakland Athletics. Montas was at his peak in 2021, posting a 3.37 ERA and earning Cy Young votes while racking up 207 strikeouts over 187 innings. His success earned him a trade to the New York Yankees in 2022, though his stint there was marred by injuries and inconsistency.
After spending much of 2023 rehabbing from shoulder surgery, Montas returned late in the season, pitching effectively in limited appearances. His strong finish made him an intriguing free-agent option for teams seeking pitching depth and versatility.
The Role with the Mets
For the Mets, Montas provides a multifaceted option. While he has a history as a starter, he is expected to initially slot into a high-leverage relief role, helping bridge the gap to closer Edwin Díaz. However, his ability to eat innings and transition to a starting role if needed gives the Mets critical flexibility.
Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed excitement about the acquisition, saying:
“Frankie is the kind of pitcher who can adapt to any situation. He’s experienced, tough, and knows how to pitch in big moments. Adding someone like him to our bullpen is a huge boost for our team.”
A Revamped Mets Bullpen
Montas joins a bullpen that has been a focal point of the Mets’ offseason strategy. Following the departure of several key relievers and the struggles of 2024, the Mets have been aggressive in pursuing reliable arms to complement their returning core.
With Díaz set to reclaim his closer role and a mix of veterans and promising young arms in the fold, Montas’ addition gives the bullpen a blend of experience and depth. The Mets are banking on his versatility to pay dividends in close games and critical stretches of the season.
What This Means for the Mets
The Montas signing signals that the Mets are not content to simply rely on their star-studded rotation to carry them through the season. By fortifying their bullpen, they are addressing one of the key weaknesses that plagued them last year.
The signing also reflects the influence of general manager David Stearns, who has prioritized acquiring players with positional flexibility and postseason experience. Montas fits that mold perfectly, having pitched in playoff games and shown the resilience to overcome adversity.
As the Mets look ahead to the 2025 season, the addition of Montas could prove pivotal in their quest to return to playoff contention. If Montas can stay healthy and rediscover his 2021 form, the Mets may have found one of the offseason’s most underrated bargains.
This move marks another step in what has already been an intriguing offseason for the Mets, as they continue to reshape their roster under new leadership. Fans at Citi Field will be watching closely to see if Montas can become the latest piece of the puzzle in their pursuit of a championship.
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