New York Mets Sign Frankie Montas To Bolster Starting Rotation

The New York Mets signed veteran Starting Pitcher Frankie Montas late last night to a two-year deal worth $34 million. The contract also reportedly includes a player option for 2026. Montas had a disappointing 2024 season with a 7-11 record and a 4.84 ERA. He began the season with the Cincinnati Reds and was dealt to the Milwaukee Brewers at the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline. 

Montas had a successful postseason as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers ironically against the New York Mets. Montas surrendered one earned run over 3.2 innings of work in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series. He joins a starting rotation in flux that includes Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Tylor Megill, and Paul Blackburn. How will this contract work out for both sides?

Frankie Montas Career Summary

Right-hander Frankie Montas and the New York Mets are in agreement on a two-year, $34 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Montas, 31, threw 150.2 innings with a 4.84 ERA with Cincinnati and Milwaukee last year. He’s the first piece in the Mets’ new rotation.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 2, 2024

The veteran made his debut in 2015 as a member of the Chicago White Sox. He then spent parts of the next six seasons with the Oakland Athletics. He was then dealt to the New York Yankees at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline. Montas proceeded to sign a one-year $16 million contract with the Reds before the start of the 2024 season. The best season of the veteran’s career came in 2021 when he finished sixth in American League Cy Young voting. Montas has a career record of 44-46 with a 4.09 ERA.

Where Will Montas Fit Into New York’s Starting Rotation?

The New York Mets had a strong starting rotation last season. They were 15th in the league in ERA during the regular season, fifth in strikeouts, second in opposing batting average, and fifth in strikeouts. New York’s starting rotation was an issue during their run to the NLCS a few months ago.

They were 10th in team ERA during the MLB Postseason and ninth in opposing batting average. New York’s starting rotation includes pending free agents like Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, and Jose Quintana. There has been an expectation this offseason that New York will be heavily involved in signing a few key starting pitchers.

Final Thoughts

While Montas is a solid back-end rotation piece, if he is the biggest starting pitcher New York signs this offseason, it would be a massive disappointment. Team Owner Steve Cohen and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns are going to spare no expense this offseason as it pertains to improving their team. The team hopes Montas can experience a career resurgence similar to the one that Severino and Manaea experienced this past season.