12:50 PM: The Mets have informed reporters, including Tim Healey from Newday, that Frankie Montas is dealing with a serious right lat strain. He will undergo a platelet-rich plasma injection and will be sidelined for six to eight weeks. This timeline means he will likely miss at least the first month of the season.
12:40 PM: Sources like Jon Heyman from The New York Post confirmed that Montas’s injury is related to his lat, but they haven’t provided a specific return date yet.
11:41 AM: Mets camp just started, and Mike Puma from The New York Post reports Montas has not thrown due to this injury. The Mets signed him to a two-year, $34 million contract in December, making his absence a concerning start to their season. With an opt-out option after this year, his time off could impact his chances of pursuing that option.
Injury news adds unease for Mets fans as the team gears up for what’s expected to be a challenging season. Montas’s injury leaves a big question mark in their rotation, especially after losing several pitchers during the offseason.
The Mets were already facing a reshuffle in their starting rotation, having lost players like Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana to free agency. Additionally, Christian Scott is recovering from Tommy John surgery, while Paul Blackburn has undergone back surgery.
This offseason, the Mets refrained from going after top-tier free agents like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried. They instead opted for short-term contracts. They re-signed Manaea and brought in Clay Holmes, planning to transition him into a starting role. Montas’s signing was seen as a risky move due to his injury history but offered potential upside.
Montas struggled last season, partly due to shoulder surgery that limited his appearances. In 2023, he managed a 4.48 ERA with a strikeout rate of 22.6%. After he was traded to the Brewers, his strikeout rate improved to 28.7%, which had given Mets fans some hope about his performance. However, his current injury raises new concerns.
With difficulties like shoulder surgery and a past suspension putting a damper on his career, Montas has never pitched more than 151 innings in a season. If he continues to be sidelined, it’s likely he will begin the season on the injured list. The Mets’ rotation could then consist of Kodai Senga, Manaea, Holmes, and David Peterson. Other options, such as Griffin Canning, Blackburn, and Tylor Megill, could also fill in, although Blackburn might also start the season on the IL.
If the Mets decide they need more depth due to Montas’s injury, several free agents are still available, including Jose Quintana, Andrew Heaney, and Spencer Turnbull. There may also be trade opportunities with players like Marcus Stroman or Jordan Montgomery.
Current payroll figures indicate the Mets are at $331 million, nearing the competitive balance tax threshold of $325 million. Last year, their numbers climbed all the way up to $358 million. It remains to be seen if they will add more payroll to strengthen their rotation as the season approaches.
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