In a significant early move during the free agency period, the New York Mets have secured the services of right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas with a two-year contract worth $34 million. This agreement, first reported by ESPN, highlights the Mets’ proactive approach amid a turbulent offseason and stands as their first acquisition this winter. Montas, at 31 years old, will join a rotation now bolstered by fellow starters Kodai Senga and David Peterson after the departure of Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana, who have all entered free agency.
What makes this signing particularly intriguing is the built-in opt-out clause after the first season for Montas, suggesting a dual-layer strategy from the Mets; they aim to improve their immediate pitching depth while offering Montas a chance to test the market if he performs well in 2024.
Montas possesses a diverse arsenal featuring a fastball that can reach up to 96 mph, along with a splitter, cutter, and slider. His past demonstrated flashes of being a frontline starter, a term often reserved for elite pitchers. However, it’s essential to note that his recent performances have been mixed, especially following an arthroscopic shoulder surgery that limited him to just 1⅓ innings in the previous season. Despite having a less-than-stellar 4.84 ERA last season, which spanned 150⅔ innings, he managed an impressive 148 strikeouts. Yet, the 66 walks and 24 home runs allowed raise questions about his command and consistency on the mound.
As Montas steps into a New York environment, the heightened expectations will test his resolve and skill. The Mets’ history indicates they are not hesitant to invest in players who can bring noticeable improvements to their roster.
The financial maneuvers made by the Mets this offseason reveal a keen focus on reshaping their team dynamics. With the departures of prominent players such as first baseman Pete Alonso, designated hitter J.D. Martinez, and outfielder Harrison Bader, the Mets successfully trimmed approximately $150 million from last year’s payroll. These adjustments position them uniquely in the market and potentially provide room for further acquisitions, including talks around superstar outfielder Juan Soto, who is also represented by Scott Boras, like Montas.
This newfound financial flexibility signals the Mets may not just be rebuilding but could also be assembling a powerhouse roster capable of going deep into playoffs again following their unexpected run to the National League Championship Series last season. This was particularly noteworthy since the team had initially entered the season with a rebuild mindset, only to find themselves making a commendable playoff run, showcasing the importance of starting pitching.
The signing of Frankie Montas is not just about filling a void in the rotation; it reflects larger strategic intentions by the Mets. As the team prepares for a busy offseason filled with potential game-changing signings, Montas’ performance will be a crucial factor in determining the direction of the franchise. With the stage set for a transformative winter, all eyes will be on how the Mets navigate further acquisitions and their impact on enhancing a competitive edge in the league.