When David Stearns and the New York Mets signed Frankie Montas, the move was met with skepticism by a significant portion of the fanbase. Many pointed to Montas’ troubling injury history and inconsistent availability as red flags that made the signing a considerable risk. Now, just a short time into his tenure with the Mets, those fears have materialized into a worst-case scenario as Montas has suffered a horrific injury that has put his season—and possibly his future—in jeopardy.
Fans’ Suspicions Proven Right
From the moment the Mets acquired Montas, fans voiced concerns over his durability. The right-hander has long been plagued by shoulder issues, which sidelined him for significant stretches during his time with the Oakland Athletics and later with the New York Yankees. His time in the Bronx was particularly frustrating, as he managed just eight starts in the 2022 season before persistent shoulder troubles led to surgery and a nearly lost 2023 campaign.
Despite these glaring concerns, Stearns and the Mets front office took a gamble on Montas, banking on his potential to recapture the form he displayed in 2021 when he finished with a 3.37 ERA and 207 strikeouts over 187 innings. That season showed what Montas was capable of when healthy, but unfortunately, that version of him has become increasingly rare.
A Risk That Backfired
With Montas now facing another significant injury setback, the Mets’ decision to bet on his recovery looks even more questionable. The gamble was a calculated one—teams often take chances on pitchers with high upside despite injury concerns—but in this case, it has backfired in devastating fashion.
Stearns, known for his analytical approach and shrewd roster management, likely saw Montas as a potential bargain compared to other available pitching options. However, with Montas now unavailable for the foreseeable future, the Mets are left scrambling for rotation depth. Given the already delicate state of their pitching staff, losing a key arm like Montas this early in the season is nothing short of a disaster.
The Mets’ Rotation Woes
The Mets’ rotation was already a major talking point heading into the season. While they boast talent, many of their key arms come with their own durability questions. Justin Verlander and Kodai Senga have had their share of injury concerns, and beyond them, the depth was already thin.
With Montas now out, the Mets must look toward internal options or the trade market to reinforce their rotation. Jose Butto and Joey Lucchesi could see increased roles, but neither provides the same level of upside Montas was expected to offer. Additionally, the free-agent market is sparse at this point in the season, meaning any solution will likely come from within or via a trade—something that would likely cost the Mets valuable prospects.
What’s Next for Montas?
For Montas himself, the injury is another crushing blow to a career that has been derailed by physical setbacks. Once regarded as a potential frontline starter, he now faces yet another long and uncertain road to recovery. The severity of the injury will determine his future, but with his track record, teams will be even more hesitant to invest in him going forward.
At just 31 years old, Montas should have several years left in his career, but only if his body cooperates. If he is unable to stay healthy, he risks being labeled as a pitcher who simply cannot be relied upon—an unfortunate tag that is becoming increasingly difficult to shake.
Final Thoughts
David Stearns and the Mets took a chance on Frankie Montas, hoping to get high-end production at a discounted price. Instead, the move has backfired in dramatic fashion, leaving the team scrambling for answers. Fans who were skeptical of the signing now find themselves saying, “I told you so,” as Montas’ latest injury reinforces their worst fears.
With the season still in its early stages, the Mets must quickly pivot and find a way to stabilize their rotation. Whether that means promoting an internal option or exploring the trade market, one thing is certain: the gamble on Montas has turned into a costly mistake that the Mets may struggle to recover from.
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