Montas Joins Mets: Aiming for Revival and Inspired by Teammates' Success Stories

Frankie Montas has arrived at the New York Mets with renewed hope and confidence, inspired by the success stories of his former teammates Sean Manaea and Luis Severino. Just days after signing a two-year, $34 million deal with the Mets, Montas spoke about how the organization’s reputation for nurturing pitchers and their health played a significant role in his decision to join the team. The conversations Montas had with Manaea and Severino were pivotal. Both pitchers had recently revitalized their careers with the Mets, showcasing the club's robust pitching infrastructure that emphasizes health, development, and performance. Montas, who missed an entire year recovering from injury, is eager to reclaim his form and "blow people's doors," as he put it. Severino’s time with the Mets was marked by a solid 3.91 ERA over 31 starts, which ultimately earned him a lucrative three-year contract with the Athletics. Meanwhile, Manaea emerged as a standout pitcher for New York, boasting a 3.47 ERA across 32 starts. Their testimonies about the Mets' ability to foster talent resonated with Montas, who has built a close relationship with both players during his career—particularly with Manaea, a close friend from their time together with the Oakland Athletics. Montas’ faith in the Mets is not unfounded. Under the leadership of president of baseball operations David Stearns, the organization has demonstrated discipline in the pitching market, evidenced by their handling of free agents. The Mets are now seen as a desirable destination for pitchers seeking to rehabilitate their careers while enjoying success in the process. Stearns emphasized that the success of pitchers like Severino and Manaea reinforces the club's development processes and underscores the effectiveness of their player identification and health maintenance strategies. The Mets are keen on integrating Montas into this framework, alongside existing rotation members like Kodai Senga and David Peterson, and possibly employing a six-man rotation to manage pitching workloads effectively. Montas brings with him a track record that includes a challenging season split between the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers, where he accumulated 150 2/3 innings pitched with a 4.84 ERA. However, he displayed potential for improvement, particularly during his time with the Brewers, where he made notable adjustments—most significantly, increasing the use of his sinker and regaining his velocity, which crept back over 96 mph. Crucially, Montas credits his mental game as a key factor in regaining confidence in his arm. His focus on trusting his physical abilities and shedding fears of injury enabled him to pitch more freely and effectively. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Montas is optimistic about the resources and support the Mets provide, which he believes will help him enhance his performance further. With Montas on board, the Mets continue to explore options for additional pitching depth, possibly eyeing more reclamation projects to complement their rotation. Montas represents another piece in Stearns' strategic puzzle—investing in pitchers with something to prove while also preparing for the future. As the Mets look to build on the successes of their pitching staff, Montas is ready to contribute to a narrative of revival, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Manaea and Severino. His excitement is palpable, and with the right environment and support, he hopes to not just return to form but to exceed his previous accomplishments on the mound.