Frankie Montas Joins Mets on Two-Year, $34M Deal: What It Means for New York’s Rotation
The New York Mets are wasting no time making moves this offseason. Right-hander Frankie Montas has agreed to a two-year, $34 million contract with the Mets, sources told ESPN on Sunday night. This marks the team’s first free-agent signing of what promises to be a busy winter. The deal, which is pending a physical, includes an opt-out clause after the first season, giving Montas some flexibility while adding a veteran arm to a rotation that’s seen significant turnover.
Montas, 31, will join a rotation that already includes Kodai Senga and David Peterson. The Mets are looking to fill the void left by the free agency of Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana, all of whom played key roles in New York’s playoff rotation last season. While a reunion with any of those three pitchers isn’t off the table, the Mets have clearly pivoted to Montas as a priority addition.
Montas’ Potential and Recent Performance
Montas has shown flashes of being a frontline starter throughout his career. Armed with a fastball that averages 96 mph, he also features a splitter, slider, and cutter in his arsenal. However, his recent track record has been a mixed bag. After undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery, Montas pitched just 1⅓ innings in 2023 before signing a one-year, $16 million deal with Cincinnati. He was later traded to Milwaukee, where he finished the season with a 4.84 ERA over 150⅔ innings, tallying 148 strikeouts, 66 walks, and 24 home runs allowed.
While those numbers don’t scream dominance, the Mets are betting on Montas’ upside. If he can stay healthy and regain his form, he could be a significant asset in a rotation that will need to carry the team through another competitive season.
Payroll Flexibility and Big Moves Ahead?
The Mets have been busy reshaping their financial situation as well. With the free agency of Manaea, Severino, and Quintana, along with the departures of first baseman Pete Alonso, designated hitter J.D. Martinez, and outfielder Harrison Bader, the team has shaved approximately $150 million off its payroll. Additionally, the Mets are no longer on the hook for payments tied to Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer’s contracts.
What does this mean for the Mets’ offseason plans? For starters, they remain one of the favorites to sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto, who shares an agent, Scott Boras, with Montas. While Soto would likely command a record-breaking deal, sources suggest that signing him wouldn’t prevent the Mets from pursuing other marquee free agents. The team has reportedly engaged in discussions with a wide range of players, signaling that they’re not done making moves.
Building on a Surprising 2024 Season
The Mets are coming off a season that defied expectations. What was supposed to be a rebuilding year turned into a thrilling run to the National League Championship Series. After sneaking into the playoffs with a late-season surge, the Mets eliminated Milwaukee in the wild card round, dominated Philadelphia in the division series, and pushed the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers to six games in the NLCS.
Starting pitching was a cornerstone of that success. Despite losing Senga, their Opening Day starter, for much of the season, the Mets’ rotation posted a 3.91 ERA. Manaea, Severino, and Quintana all delivered better-than-expected performances, proving the value of short-term deals for veteran pitchers. Montas’ contract follows a similar blueprint, and the Mets are hoping he can replicate that kind of impact.
What’s Next for the Mets?
With Montas in the fold, the Mets have taken a solid first step in addressing their rotation needs. But this is just the beginning. Fans should expect more moves in the coming weeks as the team looks to build on its surprising 2024 campaign and position itself as a contender in 2025.
Here’s a quick recap of what this signing means for the Mets:
- Montas adds depth and experience to a rotation that’s lost key contributors to free agency.
- The team’s payroll flexibility opens the door for additional big-name signings, including a potential deal with Juan Soto.
- The Mets are clearly aiming to build on their NLCS run and make another deep playoff push.
For Mets fans, the offseason is off to an exciting start. Buckle up—this could be a wild winter in Queens.
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
