KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 02: Owner Steve Cohen of the New York Mets talks with members of the media prior to a game between the New York Mets and Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
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The New York Mets have some work to do on their roster after a brutally disappointing season and it seems they won’t be afraid to cut their losses.
The team announced that it has designated 10-year Major League Baseball veteran Frankie Montas for assignment, effectively releasing him from the team as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
The Mets signed Montas last winter to a two-year, $34 million contract. But he suffered a lat strain at the start of spring training and then only made seven starts on the year, posting a 6.28 ERA in the process before a UCL tear in his right elbow required him to undergo Tommy John surgery.
In a corresponding move, the Mets announced that they would add Nick Morabito to their 40-man roster and protect the outfield prospect from the upcoming Rule 5 draft.
“Montas’ one-year tenure in Queens proved to be disastrous,” Alex Smith and Andy Martino wrote for SNY. “He finally made his debut in late June, but was largely ineffective when he was able to pitch, posting a 6.28 ERA and 1.603 WHIP in nine appearances, including two out of the bullpen.”
The Mets’ willingness to cut Montas just after he exercised a $17 million contract option indicates that they will accept some financial losses if it helps the team get better. By clearing his roster spot and promoting Morabito, they could have a difference-making young player ready to debut next season.
“Morabito, a second-round pick of the Mets in 2022, spent the entire 2025 season with Double-A Binghamton, posting a .733 OPS with six home runs and 59 RBI,” Smith and Martino added. “He was also excellent in the Arizona Fall League, slashing .362/.450/.464 with 16 stolen bases in 17 games.”
However, down another arm in the rotation, the Mets will likely have to pivot to some external additions as the winter goes on. Given their disappointing campaign and billionaire owner Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend, the team seems like a good fit for one of the more accomplished starters on the free agent market, like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez or Dylan Cease. The Mets also have a deep farm system and could explore a trade for a frontline starter.