Frankie Montas Talks Decision to Join Mets, Sean Manaea Friendship

New York Mets right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas held his introductory press conference on Friday afternoon after signing a two-year deal worth $34 million with the club that includes an opt-out after the 2025 season.

He called Sean Manaea one of his best friends, as the two played together for the then-Oakland Athletics from 2017 to 2021. Furthermore, Montas said that both he and Luis Severino lauded the Mets’ organization, which caught his attention and helped convince him to join the team.

“They had nothing but good things to say about the way they do things in here,” Montas said. “All the resources they have to kind of like take your game to the next level. I got to see a little bit of it when I was in New York these couple of days. The way they do stuff, the way they prepare guys, the way they help you with your recovery, all the resources they have to improve your game. I’m definitely excited for next year and see how they can help me improve my game.”

Montas began this past season as a member of the Cincinnati Reds before he was dealt to the Milwaukee Brewers at the trade deadline. In total, he finished the year with a 4.84 ERA and 1.4 fWAR in 30 starts and 150 2/3 innings.

He got a close look at the Mets in the Wild Card series, as he started the Brewers’ only win in Game 2 and tossed 3 2/3 frames while allowing a single earned run on six hits.

Montas said that his experience playing them in the postseason influenced his decision to come to New York, stating that the team is eager to win and that the offense poses a significant challenge for opposing pitching staffs.

“That’s a team that’s hungry to win,” Montas said. “Why not join them? It’s a team that has one of the toughest lineups to face.”

The 31-year-old joins Kodai Senga and David Peterson atop the Mets’ rotation at this stage of the offseason. Montas posted a 3.57 ERA and 3.55 FIP over 72 outings from 2018 to 2021, and the club is hopeful that they can help him return to that level.

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