Setting expectations NY Mets free agent signing Frankie Montas in 2025

The New York Mets have added the first piece to their 2025 rotation with the signing of Frankie Montas. Montas is coming from a roller-coaster season. While he managed to stay healthy for the most part, his inconsistency and inability to consistently command his pitches raised concerns.

Montas showed a drop in his strikeout percentage and an increase in walks, plus a higher level of hard-hit contact allowed than in 2022, his last healthy season. However, after being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers at last year's trade deadline, he made some notable adjustments to his pitch usage, relying more heavily on certain pitches and refining his approach to maximize their effectiveness.

Montas may prove to be a good back-end starter for the Mets in 2025

Montas' recent performance history is inconsistent, making it difficult to establish definitive expectations for his 2025 season. The Mets are hoping that the recent arsenal distribution changes, a change of scenery and a full offseason to prepare can help Montas rediscover his dominant form.

Mets staff and fans should temper expectations and acknowledge the risks involved in this move. Montas has struggled with walks in recent years, and reducing his free pass rate will be crucial. His profile also brings some injury concerns so staying healthy will be paramount.

On the other hand, the Mets' coaching staff and strategy have proven they can maximize pitcher potential by making adjustments to pitching delivery and arsenal distribution. This was evident in the changes of Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Reed Garrett. Similarly, Montas could benefit from a strategic shift, focusing on his split-finger fastball and slider.

Montas' splitter proved to be a particularly effective pitch, generating a high swing-and-miss rate and limiting hard contact. His slider, though less frequently used, also showed promise, doubling his swing-and-miss rate after the trade to the Brewers.

To optimize Montas' performance, the Mets could consider employing a six-man rotation. This strategy would allow him to pitch on extended rest, a condition under which he historically excels.

The Mets' rotation is susceptible to injury and inconsistency. Montas, with his improved arsenal and potential for a breakout season, could provide a boost. As a replacement for the departed Jose Quintana, Montas represents a calculated risk, especially considering the Mets' track record of developing pitchers and the encouraging signs from his late-season surge in strikeouts.