NY Mets contract with Frankie Montas has the same feel as another recent deal

So much has happened this offseason that any thought of what Frankie Montas can specifically give the New York Mets in 2025 hasn’t been a priority. We all knew him well from his days with the Oakland Athletics. The flash he had as a member of the New York Yankees, a tenure most remembered for being sidelined with injuries, is what gave us a more regular albeit short-lived glimpse at what he can do.

Last year was a situation for Montas very similar to ex-Athletics teammate Sean Manaea. Montas inked a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds and was later traded midseason to the rival NL Central Milwaukee Brewers. Montas got better after the trade, but his numbers in the final month were as problematic as they were promising.

A .202/.304/.483 slash line against him in September to go along with 14.1 strikeouts per 9 would suggest greatness. However, a season-high 7 home runs allowed and 5.55 ERA for the month, the second highest of any he had in 2024, worsened his overall numbers for the year. Trending in the right direction without the end results, the contract he signed with the Mets feels too reminiscent of another recent free agent bust.

Is Frankie Montas the pitcher’s version of Omar Narvaez?

Going directly from the Brewers to the Mets is merely coincidental in this comparison. What makes Montas a dangerous addition is how much faith the Mets are putting in a guy who’ll hold all of the power for the 2026 season.

Omar Narvaez received a one-year deal with a player option for the second year. It would have taken a monster season from him in 2023 to opt out of his contract. Losing the starting catcher spot to Francisco Alvarez and hitting only .211 when he did play made his choice to opt in an easier call than getting seconds at the buffet table.