Mets Designate Frankie Montas for Assignment

The New York Mets have officially designated pitcher Frankie Montas for assignment following a challenging season marked by injury struggles. Montas, who recently exercised his $17 million player option for the 2026 season, will be sidelined for the entirety of next season due to a significant elbow injury.

Andy Martino of SNY first broke the news about the Mets' decision to part ways with Montas. Earlier in November, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that Montas had chosen to activate his player option. The Mets originally signed Montas to a two-year, $34 million deal as a free agent in December 2024, intrigued by his potential after he made 30 starts with a 4.84 ERA across the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers.

Injury Woes Continue

Unfortunately for Montas, his stint in Queens did not improve. He began the 2025 season on the injured list due to a strained lat muscle and upon his return, he struggled, posting a 6.28 ERA in just nine appearances. The Mets announced on August 23 that Montas would be shut down for the remainder of the season due to an elbow injury, leading him to opt for Tommy John surgery, which will keep him out for the entire 2026 campaign.

By opting into his contract, Montas made a logical decision given the financial security it provides during his rehabilitation period. He first signed with the Boston Red Sox as an international free agent in 2009 but faced a turbulent career marked by injuries. After being traded to the Chicago White Sox and then the Los Angeles Dodgers, Montas made his MLB debut in 2015. Despite flashes of brilliance, including a standout season in 2021 with a 3.37 ERA that earned him a sixth-place finish in AL Cy Young voting, Montas’s later years have been marred by injuries and underperformance across stints with the Yankees, Reds, Brewers, and now the Mets.

Uncertain Future

As Montas prepares to turn 33 on March 21, questions loom over his future in Major League Baseball. His current injury situation leaves him without a team as he embarks on another lengthy rehabilitation. The upcoming 2026 season will mark the second time in four years that Montas has effectively missed an entire year due to health issues, raising serious doubts about his career moving forward.