The New York Mets didn’t let their ongoing pursuit of Juan Soto slow down their offseason progress, taking steps to rebuild their starting rotation by signing right-hander Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million deal late Sunday. Despite a mixed performance in 2024 with the Milwaukee Brewers, Montas showed glimpses of regaining his previous form, which has some fans hopeful that he could become a key player similar to Luis Severino or Sean Manaea for the Mets in the upcoming season.
However, while many Mets fans are fixated on what Montas’ signing means for the team’s chances with Soto, it’s important to focus on the broader picture. While it’s true that Montas is a client of renowned agent Scott Boras, the real significance of this signing lies in how it reflects the Mets’ edge in the ongoing competition for Soto, especially over their crosstown rivals, the Yankees. The Montas deal hints at a key advantage for New York in the Soto race, but not for the reasons many might think.
One of Soto’s major priorities as a free agent is finding a team that excels in player development. He made it clear in meetings with teams that if he were to sign a long-term deal, he would want to ensure the team has the capability to build competitive rosters year after year. This is where the Montas signing comes into play for the Mets. Once considered an emerging star with the Oakland Athletics, Montas posted a 117 ERA+ over 70 starts and even finished sixth in AL Cy Young voting in 2021. However, after being traded to the Yankees in 2022, Montas’ career took a sharp downturn, struggling to the point where he posted a 6.35 ERA and made just one start in 2023 before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the year.
Montas’ decline mirrors a familiar story: much like Luis Severino, who had a rough 2023 season with the Yankees before rebounding with the Mets in 2024, Montas struggled in New York, failing to live up to his potential. In contrast, the Mets have shown a consistent ability to turn around struggling pitchers, thanks to their leadership under David Stearns, who has a proven track record of reviving careers, particularly after his success in Milwaukee.
For Soto, who wants to join a team capable of sustained success, the Mets’ ability to develop and rejuvenate pitchers like Montas and Severino offers a compelling argument. The Yankees, on the other hand, have struggled with pitchers like Montas and Sonny Gray, failing to unlock their full potential. If Soto values a team’s ability to compete for titles and develop talent over the course of his contract, the Mets have a strong case to make. While it’s not a certainty that this will secure Soto, it certainly gives the Mets a solid argument in their pursuit of the superstar outfielder.
