The New York Mets have added Frankie Montas to their struggling rotation, reaching a $34 million, two-year deal with the experienced right-hander.
A source familiar with the talks confirmed the agreement to the AP on Sunday night, but asked to remain anonymous because the deal was subject to passing a physical exam.
Montas, 31, is set to earn $17 million each year of the contract. He also has the option to opt out after the 2025 season.
This year, Montas had a record of 7-11 with a 4.84 ERA and 148 strikeouts in 150 2/3 innings across 30 starts for the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers. He was 3-3 with a 4.55 ERA in 11 starts for the Brewers, who acquired him just before the trade deadline.
Montas turned down his part of a $20 million mutual option last month, receiving a $2 million buyout instead.
Even with Montas joining the team, the Mets still have work to do on their rotation. Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana all became free agents after helping the Mets make a surprising run to the NL Championship Series this year.
The Mets are also seeking a couple of bullpen pitchers to work in front of closer Edwin Díaz. Longtime first baseman Pete Alonso became a free agent after hitting 34 home runs this year.
Montas has a career record of 44-46 with a 4.09 ERA in 129 starts and 31 relief appearances over nine seasons, also playing for the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and New York Yankees.
His best season came in 2021 with the Athletics, when he went 13-9 with a 3.37 ERA and 207 strikeouts in 187 innings.
Montas’ contract with the Mets is part of a quick start to the offseason for his agent, Scott Boras. Blake Snell (who signed a $182 million, five-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers) and Yusei Kikuchi (who agreed to a $63 million, three-year deal with the Angels) also signed new contracts, and Nick Martinez, another Boras client, accepted a qualifying offer from Cincinnati.
