Key Takeaways
- End of an Era: The New York Mets have designated pitcher Frankie Montas for assignment, officially ending his brief and tumultuous time with the team after just nine appearances.
- Costly Deal: Despite being cut, Montas will still receive the $17 million from his 2026 player option, part of the two-year, $34 million contract he signed last winter.
- Injury Plagued: Montas is set to miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, which followed an earlier lat injury.
- Roster Move: The decision to DFA Montas clears a crucial spot on the 40-man roster, which the Mets immediately filled by selecting outfield prospect Nick Morabito.
The New York Mets have officially ended their relationship with starting pitcher Frankie Montas, designating him for assignment on Tuesday. The move brings a close to a partnership that began with high hopes but was ultimately derailed by injuries and ineffective performances.
Montas’s tenure with the Mets concludes after only nine total appearances, a stark outcome for a player signed to a two-year, $34 million deal last offseason.
A Season Marred by Injuries
The Mets signed Montas, 32, with the expectation that he would be a stabilizing force in their starting rotation. However, his time in Queens was troubled from the start. He suffered a torn lat muscle during Spring Training, delaying his season debut until late June.
Upon his return, Montas struggled to find his form. In seven starts, he posted a high 6.68 ERA, failing to provide the consistency the team needed. The Mets eventually moved him to the bullpen to salvage his season, but he made only two relief appearances before his year came to a premature end. He tore the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, requiring season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Financials and Future Roster Moves
Despite the disappointing outcome, Montas recently exercised his $17 million player option for the 2026 season. The Mets are obligated to pay this amount, but by designating him for assignment, they ensure he will not be rehabbing at the team’s facilities.
The primary motivation for the move was to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. This space was immediately filled by outfield prospect Nick Morabito, the team’s No. 16 prospect, signaling a forward-looking approach as the offseason begins.
Montas, a veteran of 10 big league seasons with six different teams, now faces a long road to recovery. His career record stands at 47-48 with a 4.20 ERA, but his future in the league is uncertain as he prepares for a lengthy rehabilitation process away from the Mets organization.
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