Mets bolster pitching rotation with $34 million Frankie Montas deal

In December 2024, Frankie Montas, a right-handed pitcher, reached an agreement with the New York Mets on a two-year, $34 million contract. This signing marks the Mets' first significant acquisition during what is expected to be a busy offseason for the team. Montas, 31, joins the ranks of Mets starters alongside Kodai Senga and David Peterson, especially after the departures of Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana to free agency. The Mets have been active in the free agent market to fill gaps in their pitching rotation following a successful season where they made an unexpected run to the National League Championship Series despite their challenges. Montas has demonstrated potential as a frontline starter, possessing a mix of pitches including a splitter, slider, cutter, and a fastball that averages around 96 mph. His career has seen its ups and downs, especially after suffering from shoulder surgery that limited his appearances to only 1⅓ innings in the previous season. In a significant move, the Cincinnati Reds signed him to a one-year, $16 million contract last year, only to trade him to the Milwaukee Brewers after his injury struggles. Montas still managed to post a 4.84 ERA over 150⅓ innings while striking out 148 batters, which illustrates a degree of resilience and ability to contribute to a rotation. The Mets' decision to pivot towards Montas is influenced by a strategic reduction in payroll, which has seen them save approximately $150 million from previous seasons by letting go of several players, including first baseman Pete Alonso and designated hitter J.D. Martinez, along with the conclusion of payments for former stars Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. The Mets are also eyeing high-profile free agents, such as superstar outfielder Juan Soto, who shares an agent with Montas, Scott Boras. These moves reflect the team's ambitions to maintain competitiveness as they adjust their roster post-season. The transition to Montas as a key addition comes after a strong showing from their pitching staff, which posted a 3.91 ERA overall. Despite Senga missing a significant portion of the season, shorter contracts for Manaea, Severino, and Quintana yielded positive results, allowing the team to navigate a formatted playoff experience. Montas's signing could potentially solidify the rotation further as the Mets aim for continued success in the following seasons.