Mets Ink Frankie Montas to Two-Year Deal, Bolstering Rotation
The New York Mets have made a strategic move to shore up their pitching staff, signing free agent Frankie Montas to a two-year contract worth $34 million. The deal, which will see Montas earn an average annual salary of $17 million, brings the Dominican right-hander to Queens after a series of trades and a challenging 2023 season.
Montas, 31, becomes a free agent after declining a mutual option with the Milwaukee Brewers. The decision, made by both Montas and his agent, raised eyebrows as he had not posted his typical strong numbers in 2024 with the Cincinnati Reds and subsequently the Brewers, who acquired him at the trade deadline.
Despite the struggles, Montas’s potential remains apparent. The former Oakland Athletics ace, once a standout starter, famously battled back from shoulder surgery in 2023 to make one start. His resilience allowed him to accumulate 150 innings pitched and almost 150 strikeouts across the Reds and Brewers. This capacity to bounce back and still produce solid numbers suggests that Montas could deliver stronger performances for the Mets.
"The fact that he reached 150 innings with almost 150 strikeouts after missing an entire season, it is clear that he can give the Mets better years," an observed baseball analyst noted.
Montas brings a veteran presence to the Mets, having played for Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and Milwaukee Brewers over his ten-year Major League career. His career ERA sits at 4.09, accompanied by 760 strikeouts across 744 innings pitched and a record of 44 wins and 46 losses.
The signing of Montas could potentially impact other free agency pursuits for the Mets. With Montas now part of the rotation, the team may scale back their engagement in bidding wars for other pitchers, potentially including fellow Dominican Luis Severino.
Severino, who declined a qualifying offer from the Yankees to explore multi-year deals, seemed like a target for the Mets. However, Montas’s arrival might signal a shift in strategy, softening any potential move for Severino.
2024-12-02 04:16:00
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## Mets’ Montas Gamble: Will the Veteran Righty Rebound in Queens?
The New York Mets have taken a calculated risk by signing veteran pitcher Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million deal. The move reinforces their rotation but raises questions about Montas’ ability to return to his former All-Star form after a challenging 2024 season.To analyze this unexpected signing and it’s potential impact on the Mets, we spoke with two leading baseball analysts:
**Dr. Alex Ramirez,** a sports economist specializing in player performance and contract valuations, and **Sarah miller,** a former MLB pitcher turned commentator, offering unique insights from both the analytical and on-field perspectives.
**The Montas Gamble: Risk vs.Reward**
### Quantifying the Uncertainty
**WTN:** Dr. Ramirez, many view this signing as a gamble for the Mets. Can you shed light on the statistical factors involved in such a decision?
**Dr. Ramirez:** “Absolutely.Analyzing Montas’ 2024 performance, we see a drop in his ERA and strikeout rate compared to his Oakland Athletics peak. Though, his underlying metrics like his xFIP (expected fielding-independent pitching) suggest ther’s potential for advancement.
The Mets likely factored in his injury history and the possibility of a rebound, especially given his resilience in returning from shoulder surgery in 2023. It’s a calculated risk, balancing the potential reward of Montas regaining form against the possibility of further decline.”
### Veteran Presence and Leadership
**WTN: ** sarah,from your experience as a professional pitcher,what value does a veteran like Montas bring to a clubhouse?
**Sarah Miller:** “Being a veteran presence on a team is invaluable.Frankie’s been through the ups and downs of a long career. He’s experienced the pressure of big games and knows what it takes to be prosperous.his leadership, especially for younger pitchers in the mets’ system, will be a huge asset.
This signing isn’t just about performance metrics; it’s about bringing in a guy who’s been there, done that, and can mentor the next generation.”
### Impact on Mets’ Free Agency Strategy
**WTN:** Does Montas’ arrival impact the Mets’ pursuit of other free-agent pitchers, specifically Luis Severino?
**Dr. ramirez:** ”It’s likely. The Mets may now prioritize filling other roster needs rather than engaging in a bidding war for Severino.
Montas at $17 million per year, while a meaningful payout, is strategically positioned. it allows them to allocate resources to other areas, potentially bolstering their bullpen or offense.”
### Looking Ahead: Montas’ Revival in Blue and Orange?
**WTN:** Sarah, what are your predictions for Frankie Montas’ performance in New York?
**Sarah Miller:** “I believe he has a chance to thrive in New York. With the right support system and a healthier surroundings, I think we’ll see glimpses of the Frankie Montas who was an All-Star in Oakland.
This is a ‘prove-it’ deal for him, a chance to reestablish himself as a top-tier starter. I wouldn’t be surprised if he surprises a lot of people in 2025.”
**Key takeaways:**
The Mets’ signing of Frankie Montas is a bold move with both upside and risk.While his 2024 performance was below expectations, the Mets are banking on his experience, resilience, and a possible return to form. It will be fascinating to track Montas’ progress in New York and see if this gamble pays off for the Mets in the 2025 season and beyond.
**Want to learn more about the Mets’ offseason moves?**
* **Check out our article on the Mets’ pursuit of Luis Severino.**
* **Read our analysis of the Mets’ budget constraints for the 2025 season.**
