The New York Mets are betting on a rebound from Frankie Montas, signing the 31-year-old pitcher to a two-year, $34 million deal. After a difficult stint with the Yankees and injury setbacks, Montas showed flashes of his former dominance last season with the Brewers, and the Mets believe their coaching team, led by pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, can help Montas rediscover his peak form.
A Promising Reclamation Project
Montas is no stranger to success, shining during his time with the Oakland A’s before shoulder injuries derailed his career. In the first half of 2022, Montas allowed just 7.8 hits per nine innings over 19 starts, solidifying his reputation as one of the most challenging pitchers to face. However, surgery sidelined him for nearly all of 2023, and his recovery journey has been rocky.
Despite a shaky start with the Reds last year, Montas found his rhythm with the Brewers, significantly reducing his hit rate and boosting his strikeout numbers late in the season. Scouts have pointed to these improvements as reasons for optimism. “He looked much harder to hit, like he was in Oakland,” one scout said.
The Mets’ Reclamation Blueprint
The Mets have a track record of revitalizing struggling pitchers, with Sean Manaea and Luis Severino finding success in Queens after previous subpar seasons. Hefner, known for his ability to fine-tune mechanics and rebuild confidence, will now work closely with Montas.
Montas has already begun making adjustments, including changes to his arm slot, a move that helped Manaea turn his career around last season. “When he’s healthy, I’ll take my chances with him,” one executive noted.
A Role in the Mets’ Rotation
Montas joins a rotation that includes standout Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Tylor Megill, and Paul Blackburn. Unlike his time with the Yankees, Montas isn’t expected to carry the weight of being a No. 2 starter. Instead, he’ll have the opportunity to contribute without overwhelming pressure, giving him room to regain consistency.
What’s at Stake
The Mets are banking on Montas to deliver the kind of performances that made him an All-Star-caliber pitcher. With 150 innings pitched last year, scouts believe his command will improve as he gets further removed from surgery. “If there’s something left in the tank, and there almost definitely is, I expect them to get it out of him,” an AL scout said.
For Montas, the deal represents a chance to revive his career and prove he still belongs among MLB’s elite starters. For the Mets, it’s another calculated gamble on a player with significant upside—a strategy that could pay off big if Montas returns to form.
