The New York Mets have added a significant piece to their roster with the signing of right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas on a two-year contract valued at $34 million. This move underlines the organization's commitment to bolstering their pitching staff as they aim to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging league. Montas, at 31 years old, brings with him a wealth of experience, highlighted by his diverse pitching arsenal and past success.
Montas' journey to the Mets is an intriguing one, having spent the previous season between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers. In total, he made 30 starts, posting a 4.84 ERA and a 2.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While these numbers may not leap off the page, especially for a player who has been part of the Cy Young Award conversation, they do come with a context that offers a more optimistic outlook. As one expert put it, "The ingredients are here for better numbers."
Montas' tenure in Milwaukee marked a turning point in his approach on the mound. He shifted his focus towards utilizing his sinker and cutter more frequently, while reducing reliance on his slider and splitter. This adjustment could have been spurred by the Brewers’ coaching philosophy or Montas’ personal quest for refinement. Interestingly, public-facing pitch-quality models still rate Montas' slider, splitter, and sweeper as above average, suggesting that he retains a potent arsenal.
The diversity in Montas' pitching toolkit, which includes two mid-90s fastballs, a cutter, a splitter, and a slider, provides him with numerous options to outwit batters. This kind of weaponry is invaluable for a team like the Mets, particularly given their aspirations and the potential challenges posed by the departure of key players such as Jose Quintana, who is on the brink of free agency.
This acquisition is part of a broader strategy orchestrated by David Stearns, the Mets' top baseball operations executive. Stearns has demonstrated a keen eye for pitching talent, having previously secured short-term contracts with Sean Manaea and Luis Severino in the last winter. The signing of Montas fits into this pattern of strategic acquisitions aimed at enhancing the team's depth and flexibility on the mound.
There is a certain irony in Montas’ signing—a player who had a brief and unremarkable stint with the New York Yankees, making only eight starts in 2022 and missing almost all of 2023 due to various challenges. Despite this, the Mets see untapped potential and are willing to invest in his ability to bounce back. The belief within the organization is not just about past performance but also the projection that Montas can carve out a pivotal role in their rotation.
The Mets' decision reflects an ambition not just to compete, but to vie for top honors. Montas has shown glimpses of brilliance over his career, having made 10-plus starts in six different seasons and finishing as high as sixth in Cy Young Award voting in a past campaign. Such credentials highlight the potential for Montas to offer significant contributions to the ball club moving forward.
What remains to be seen is how Montas will adapt and thrive in a new environment with the Mets. The transition carries the potential for reinvigorating his career, with the team's coaching staff likely working meticulously to harness his skills fully. For the New York Mets, and their fans, the hope is that Montas will indeed rise to the occasion, bringing his combination of experience, talent, and retooled approach to bear on the field.