Frankie Montas Demoted to Mets Bullpen After $34 Million Flop

The New York Mets just shook up their pitching staff, moving veteran starter Frankie Montas from the rotation to the bullpen. Honestly, it’s not a huge surprise given the team’s ugly slump and Montas’ struggles since coming back from injury.

With Saturday’s starter still a mystery, fans are buzzing about top prospects Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat as possible replacements. The move says a lot about Montas’ recent performance and manager Carlos Mendoza’s desperation to jolt a season that’s been slipping through their fingers.

Frankie Montas’ Rocky Season with the Mets

Montas, now 32, came into 2024 with plenty of hype after signing a big two-year, $34 million contract in the offseason. There’s even a player option for 2026, which adds some intrigue.

Things went sideways almost immediately when he suffered a lat injury during spring training. That setback kept him out for nearly three months.

He finally made his Mets debut on June 24, but honestly, it hasn’t gone well. In eight appearances—seven of them starts—Montas has put up a rough 6.38 ERA, with 32 strikeouts, 12 walks, and a worrisome eight home runs allowed.

Giving up the long ball has been a recurring issue, often wrecking outings that started off decently. In his latest game, the Mets tried using an opener before Montas came in, but he still surrendered three runs (just one earned) over three innings.

Why the Mets Made This Move

The Mets are stuck in a brutal slump, dropping seven straight and 11 of their last 12 going into Tuesday’s game against the Braves. Injuries and inconsistency have shredded the rotation, so something had to give.

Mendoza suggested that shifting Montas to the bullpen might help him regain confidence and sharpen up, while giving the rotation a chance to reset. In relief, Montas can focus on shorter bursts—maybe his stuff will tick up in velocity and bite.

Mendoza says Montas will be available out of the bullpen starting Thursday, so fans might see him sooner rather than later.

Potential Replacements in the Rotation

So, who’s taking Montas’ spot? The Mets are reportedly looking at two top minor league arms:

• Nolan McLean – He’s a young power pitcher with a lively fastball and improving secondary pitches. Scouts love his poise and ability to rack up strikeouts in the minors.
• Brandon Sproat – This right-hander is known for his command and knack for getting ground balls. He could give the Mets some much-needed stability in the middle of the rotation.

Both guys are seen as part of the team’s future, and getting a taste of big-league hitters could speed up their development. Still, Mendoza hasn’t named a starter yet for Saturday.

The Bigger Picture for the Mets

Moving Montas out of the rotation really shows how urgent things have gotten for the Mets. The offense can’t seem to find its rhythm, and the bullpen’s been getting worn down because the starters rarely go deep.

If the Mets want to claw back into contention, they’ll need steadier starts and for veterans like Montas to step up in new roles. Montas’ contract—especially that player option for 2026—makes his next stretch with the team even more interesting.

Everyone’s hoping the bullpen move can help Montas rediscover what made him such a big signing just a few months ago.

What This Means Going Forward

The Mets are stuck in one of the roughest patches of their season right now. Every roster move feels heavy, almost like it could tip the scales for better or worse.

How they handle Montas matters a lot. They need to win right now, but they also can’t ignore the younger players who might become the team’s future.

Plenty of fans—and honestly, a bunch of analysts too—are watching to see if guys like McLean or Sproat can step up. Maybe one of them grabs the moment and gives the rotation the spark it desperately needs.

For Montas, heading to the bullpen could be a shot at reinventing himself. It’s a risky move for the team, but sometimes that’s what it takes when you’re trying to rescue a season that’s slipping away.

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