Mets Sign Frankie Montas to Two-Year Deal

The New York Mets have signed free-agent right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million deal, which includes an opt-out clause after the 2025 season. Montas, who will earn $17 million in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, joins the Mets after a challenging few years with the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds. The deal will be finalized once Montas passes a physical examination.

Struggles with the Yankees

Frankie Montas’ journey in recent years has been a bumpy one. Acquired by the Yankees from the Oakland Athletics during the 2022 trade deadline, Montas arrived in New York with shoulder discomfort. His efforts to pitch through the pain led to disappointing results, posting a 6.35 ERA across 39 2/3 innings that season. Unfortunately, Montas’ struggles continued, and he eventually underwent labrum surgery in February 2023, sidelining him for most of the season.

Montas made a brief return to the mound in late September 2023, pitching just 1 1/3 innings. In January 2024, the Reds took a gamble on Montas, signing him to a one-year, $16 million deal, which included $14 million in guaranteed salary. While he made 30 appearances and logged 150 2/3 innings between the Reds and Brewers, Montas posted a 4.84 ERA. His strikeout rate (22.6%) was below the league average, and he allowed an uncharacteristic 14.8% home run rate—his highest ever.

Montas’ Inconsistent Performance

Despite the tough numbers, Montas showed some positive signs in 2023. He remained relatively healthy, aside from a brief 15-day IL stint for a forearm contusion. His 150+ innings pitched in 2023 marked his second-highest workload of his career. However, Montas struggled with his fastball velocity, which dropped from 96.1 mph to 95.6 mph. His sinker was his most effective pitch, but his overall performance was inconsistent.

Notably, Montas’ strikeout rate and velocity improved after joining the Brewers in the second half of 2023, leading to hope that a fresh start with the Mets could help him regain his pre-surgery form. The Mets are banking on Montas’ ability to bounce back fully, given his history of successful seasons before his injury.

Mets’ Pitching Needs and Montas’ Fit

The Mets have been searching for pitching help this offseason, especially after losing key starters such as Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, and Jose Quintana to free agency. Montas fills one of the gaps in their rotation, joining a group that includes Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Tylor Megill, and possibly Paul Blackburn, depending on health. The Mets are also likely to pursue additional pitching options before the season begins.

Despite the high-profile pursuit of superstar outfielder Juan Soto, the Mets have been active in addressing their pitching needs, with Montas representing a lower-cost but potentially high-reward addition. The two-year contract mirrors the deal signed by Sean Manaea last winter, as Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has favored shorter-term contracts for starters.

Financial Flexibility and Future Moves

The Mets have been aggressive in free agency under owner Steve Cohen, but Montas’ contract still leaves them with room to maneuver under the $241 million luxury tax threshold. Currently, the Mets’ projected tax number sits at $189.7 million, meaning they could continue to make moves, including potentially signing Soto, without immediately hitting the tax.

Notably, the Mets’ ongoing talks with Boras could involve multiple high-profile players. Montas is the third Boras-represented pitcher to sign a new contract this winter, following Blake Snell’s $182 million deal with the Dodgers and Yusei Kikuchi’s three-year, $63 million pact with the Angels.

Conclusion

Frankie Montas’ signing with the New York Mets presents both a potential value play and a clear need for pitching depth. While his recent years have been plagued by injury and inconsistency, Montas’ past success offers a glimmer of hope that he can return to form. With Montas now in the fold, the Mets have added an important arm to their rotation, and their offseason pursuits are likely far from over.