Mets Demote Frankie Montas to Bullpen as Prospects Near Call-Up

The New York Mets’ turbulent 2024 campaign took another turn this week. Struggling veteran pitcher Frankie Montas got bumped from the starting rotation and reassigned to the bullpen.

The Mets are slogging through a brutal 1-8 stretch in August, and their pitching staff’s a mess. Manager Carlos Mendoza is now looking to Triple-A for answers.

Top prospects Brandon Sproat and Nolan McLean are firmly in the conversation to take Montas’ next start. It feels like a youth movement could be brewing, especially since consistent arms have been tough to find in Queens lately.

Mets Rotation Woes Reach Breaking Point

Montas’ demotion is just the latest fallout from a rotation that’s been both unstable and ineffective all season. Since coming back from a strained lat in late June, the 32-year-old righty has made eight appearances—seven as a starter—and posted a rough 6.38 ERA.

Montas, once viewed as a steadying force, has instead contributed to the chaos. The Mets have churned through an eye-popping 14 different starters over their last 53 games.

During that span, only David Peterson has managed to pitch at least six innings in a start. The rest of the rotation? They’ve combined for a 5.32 ERA, which helps explain the Mets’ dismal 22-31 record over that stretch.

Carlos Mendoza’s Search for Stability

Mendoza says Montas’ now-vacant spot—scheduled for Saturday—will probably go to someone who can bring fresh energy and eat some innings. The top candidates are down in Triple-A Syracuse, where Sproat and McLean have put together strong 2024 campaigns.

Prospect Profiles: Sproat and McLean

Neither prospect is currently on the Mets’ 40-man roster, but their recent form makes them real contenders for a call-up. Adding either would force a roster move, but the need for pitching might push the front office to act.

Brandon Sproat – Power Arm With Depth

Sproat, 24, has logged 101 innings at Triple-A this season with a 4.10 ERA. He throws a fastball that sits at 96 mph and mixes in a solid changeup and sliders to keep hitters guessing.

His workload and versatility could help the Mets right away if they’re looking for someone to chew up innings.

• Age: 24
• ERA: 4.10 at Triple-A in 2024
• Primary Weapon: 96 mph fastball
• Secondary Offerings: Changeup, slider, curveball

Nolan McLean – A Whiff Machine

McLean, also 24, brings a different vibe. He’s got a 2.78 ERA across 16 Triple-A appearances and features a mid-90s fastball plus a nasty curveball that’s generated a near-50% whiff rate.

He’s not stretched out like a classic workhorse, but his knack for missing bats could give the Mets a real weapon against tough NL East lineups.

• Age: 24
• ERA: 2.78 at Triple-A in 2024
• Notable Strength: Curveball with near-50% whiff rate
• Velocity: Mid-90s fastball

Limited Alternatives for the Mets

The Mets’ other options are pretty slim right now. Recently optioned pitchers Brandon Waddell and Dom Hamel can’t return unless it’s for an injured player, which ties Mendoza’s hands a bit.

Veteran Paul Blackburn, who might’ve slotted back into the rotation, is still out with a shoulder injury.

A Crucial Decision Ahead

Choosing between these two top prospects—and figuring out the roster shuffle—could shape the rest of the Mets’ season. A well-timed promotion might spark better results on the mound and maybe, just maybe, bring a little hope back to a tired clubhouse.

Final Thoughts

The Mets have a real problem with their rotation after Frankie Montas got demoted. This move shows just how desperate they are for a fix.

Maybe Brandon Sproat brings some of that controlled power, or Nolan McLean flashes his strikeout magic. Either way, the next time through the rotation could totally change their approach.

August feels endless, and the Mets have to pick a lane. Do they stick with veterans, or just roll the dice on something new? It’s hard to say, but they’re clearly searching for any kind of spark in a season that’s mostly let fans down.

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