Mets Bolster Rotation: Frankie Montas Signs Two-Year Deal
In a significant move to strengthen their pitching staff, the New York Mets have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas on a two-year, $34 million contract. The deal, which is pending a physical, includes an opt-out clause for Montas after the 2025 season.
Contract Details and Implications
Montas, 31, will earn $17 million in the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This signing marks the Mets’ first major free agent acquisition of the offseason, addressing a critical need in their rotation. The contract’s structure, similar to Sean Manaea’s previous deal with the team, aligns with the Mets’ strategy of offering shorter-term contracts to starting pitchers.
Montas’ Recent Performance
The 2024 season saw Montas split his time between the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers, finishing with a 4.84 ERA over 150⅔ innings. Despite the modest overall numbers, Montas showed promising signs:
- Recorded 148 strikeouts against 66 walks
- He increased his strikeout rate to 28.7% after joining the Brewers
- Maintained above-average fastball velocity (70th percentile)
Mets’ Rotation Outlook
Montas joins a Mets rotation that currently includes:
- Kodai Senga
- David Peterson
- Tylor Megill
- Paul Blackburn (if healthy)
Montas helps fill the void left by departing free agents Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, and Jose Quintana. However, the Mets are expected to continue pursuing additional pitching options throughout the offseason.
Montas’ Arsenal and Potential
Montas brings a diverse five-pitch mix to the Mets:
- Four-seam fastball
- Sinker
- Cutter
- Splitter (his most effective pitch with a 42.6% whiff rate)
- Slider
His ability to generate swings and misses, particularly with his splitter, could be a valuable asset for the Mets’ pitching staff.
Financial Implications
The Montas signing leaves the Mets with approximately $51.3 million in space before reaching the $241 million luxury tax threshold. This flexibility allows the team to pursue other high-profile free agents, including outfielder Juan Soto, without immediately exceeding the tax limit.
Looking Ahead
As the Mets continue to reshape their roster under the guidance of President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, the Montas signing represents a calculated risk with potential high rewards.
If Montas can recapture the form that made him a frontline starter earlier in his career, this deal could be a bargain for the Mets as they aim to build on their surprising run to the National League Championship Series in 2024.