TL;DR
- New York Mets released pitcher Frankie Montas, who was due $17 million in 2026.
- Montas tore his UCL, likely missing the entire next season after signing a $34 million deal.
- He pitched only 38.2 innings for the Mets with a 6.28 ERA.
- This is Montas' third injury-shortened season in four years.
The New York Mets made a logical decision on Tuesday.
Frankie Montas, the once-powerful right-handed pitcher, has been released.
The news of the release was reported by SNY's Andy Martino.
Montas was due to make $17 million in 2026. He tore his UCL in his right elbow, though, meaning he likely won't pitch at all next season.
The Mets signed Montas to a two-year, $34 million contract in December 2024.
He played in only nine contests for The Mets. This amounted to 38.2 innings. His ERA was 6.28.
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Despite having an opt-out in his contract, Montas opted not to exercise it, meaning the Mets are obligated to pay him $17 million for the upcoming season.
He had earned the contract by throwing 150.2 so-so innings (4.84 ERA) in 2024 with the Reds and Brewers.
This marks the third time in the last four seasons that his campaign has been cut short by injury. Given this most recent setback, it's unlikely Montas will receive more than a long-shot opportunity upon his return.
The Mets still have a lot of offseason tasks to complete. However, this particular decision was straightforward.
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