NEW YORK (AP) — Frankie Montas and the New York Mets finalized a two-year, $34 million contract on Wednesday.
The veteran right-hander will earn $17 million in 2025, with a $17 million player option for 2026. The deal also includes perks like a hotel suite for road trips.
Montas, who will turn 32 in March, had a combined 7-11 record with a 4.84 ERA and 148 strikeouts across 150 2/3 innings in 30 starts for the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers in 2024. After being traded to the NL Central champion Brewers at the July 30 deadline, he posted a 3-3 record with a 4.55 ERA in 11 starts, improving his strikeout rate from 19% to 28.7%.
Last month, Montas declined his portion of a $20 million mutual option, opting instead for a $2 million buyout.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Frankie to the Mets and strengthen our rotation with a pitcher of his caliber,” Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns said in a statement. “He’s showcased some of the best stuff in baseball throughout his career and will provide stability both on the mound and in the clubhouse.”
Despite Montas’ addition, the Mets still have significant gaps to fill in their rotation following the free agency of Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and José Quintana, key contributors to the team’s surprising run to the National League Championship Series.
New York is also seeking bullpen reinforcements to support closer Edwin Díaz and faces a critical decision regarding first baseman Pete Alonso, who became a free agent after hitting 34 home runs this year.
The Mets recently signed left-handed reliever Génesis Cabrera and first baseman Joey Meneses to minor league deals, inviting both to spring training.
Over nine major league seasons with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and Milwaukee Brewers, Montas has a 44-46 record with a 4.09 ERA in 129 starts and 31 relief appearances. His career highlights include a stellar 2021 season with Oakland, where he went 13-9 with a 3.37 ERA and a career-high 207 strikeouts in 187 innings, earning a sixth-place finish in AL Cy Young Award voting.
Montas missed most of the 2023 season following shoulder surgery while with the Yankees.
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