The New York Mets made waves with their latest signing, as they inked pitcher Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million deal.
The interesting signing signals the Mets’ continued willingness to invest in bounce-back candidates with checkered injury histories – a strategy they previously employed with varying success.
Last offseason, the Mets took a similar approach by signing former Yankees starter Luis Severino to a one-year deal, hoping to unlock his potential after injury-marred seasons.
Severino’s tenure had its highs and lows, but the Mets managed to extract enough value to make the experiment worthwhile.
Now, with Severino and fellow reclamation project Sean Manaea likely headed for longer-term contracts elsewhere, the Mets are rolling the dice again – this time, on Montas.
The Yankees’ offseason decision-making appeared to echo skepticism about Montas, who struggled mightily after being acquired by New York in a high-profile mid-2022 trade.
Following an injury-riddled stint that included shoulder issues, Montas made a brief cameo at the end of the 2023 season and expressed gratitude for the Yankees’ rehab efforts.
Despite this, the Yankees passed on re-signing him, seemingly unwilling to match the price tag.
The Cincinnati Reds swooped in, signing Montas to a surprising one-year, $16 million contract ahead of the 2024 season.
While he earned the Opening Day nod, Montas’ performance in 19 starts (5.01 ERA) was inconsistent.
A midseason trade to the Milwaukee Brewers offered him a fresh opportunity, and while he showed flashes of improvement – posting 70 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings with a 4.55 ERA – he remained a puzzle of potential and unreliability.
The Mets, undeterred by Montas’ erratic 2024 campaign, have now upped the ante with a two-year commitment worth $17 million annually.
It’s a risky move, especially for a team still recalibrating its roster following a disappointing end to the 2024 season.
For a team already familiar with the high stakes of rehabbing pitchers, the Montas signing reflects a commitment to their process.
If the Mets can harness Montas’ strengths – like the strikeout surge he showed in Milwaukee – this could be a savvy move.
However, with more reliable rotation options available in free agency, this gamble is unlikely to be one many other teams would replicate.
Of course, the primary focus for Mets fans is the organization’s pursuit of superstar free agent Juan Soto.
Although the Montas signing wasn’t cheap, it’s a decision that shouldn’t have much impact on the Soto sweepstakes. (Although some insiders feel it might.)
Needless to say, Yankees fans took the opportunity to poke fun at the Mets for throwing so much money at a pitcher who failed miserbly in the Bronx.
But perhaps it will be the Mets getting the last laugh if they’re able to bring out the best in Montas.
What are your thoughts on the signing???
