The New York Mets just made a roster move that feels like a real shift toward youth and long-term thinking. Right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas, once talked up as a major offseason pickup, has been designated for assignment after an injury-riddled year that never really got rolling.
The team’s eating the rest of his big contract and calling up promising outfielder Nick Morabito. This might be a turning point in how the Mets are planning for next season and beyond.
Frankie Montas’s Short-Lived Tenure in Queens
Montas arrived last winter on a two-year, $34 million deal, bringing hope and a history of electric stuff—when healthy. His 2025 campaign got derailed almost instantly.
He tore a lat muscle in spring training, delaying his debut until late June. By the time he finally made it to the mound, the season already felt like it was slipping away.
From June Debut to Season-Ending Surgery
Montas’s June 24 return brought a flicker of optimism. He showed flashes of his old self in just nine appearances, but arm pain kept flaring up.
Doctors found an elbow injury, and Montas ended up needing Tommy John surgery after the season. That surgery pretty much wiped out his chances of helping the team into the next year.
These injuries took away the steadiness and reliability that once made him such an appealing signing.
The Financial and Roster Implications
By designating Montas for assignment in November, the Mets basically closed the book on his time in New York. They’ll still pay him $17 million for 2026, the second half of his deal.
This move didn’t happen on a whim. It not only takes a veteran arm out of the clubhouse, but also opens a valuable 40-man roster spot for someone new.
A Spot for Nick Morabito
Now Nick Morabito, a young outfielder with real upside, steps in. He hasn’t been tested at the highest level yet, but the Mets’ front office sees something worth investing in.
Choosing Morabito fits with a bigger plan: bringing up homegrown talent instead of always chasing pricey veterans.
Mets 2025 Season Recap
Even with Montas out for most of the year, New York managed to stay competitive. The Mets finished 83–79, hanging in the playoff race until the final weeks.
They fell just short, missing a return to the postseason after their 2024 NLCS run. Close, but not quite.
- Health Concerns: Injuries can derail even the most promising signings.
- Roster Flexibility: Clearing space for younger players can pay dividends long term.
- Financial Realities: Large contracts can become sunk costs if performance is hindered.
Conclusion
The end of Frankie Montas’s Mets tenure shows just how tough it is to build a winning baseball roster. You’ve got to weigh proven skill against injury risk, juggle contracts, and still find ways to let young players grow.
Sure, the move stings financially. But maybe, just maybe, it gives New York a chance to move forward with a clearer vision.
Here is the source article for this story: New York Mets dump Frankie Montas, eat $17 million in salary
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