Here we go again, Mets fans. Just when you thought the drama in Queens might simmer down, the Frankie Montas experiment has hit a wall, and not just any wall, but a concrete UCL-shaped one.
Mets $34 Million Gamble Goes Bust
That’s right. The Mets have placed right-hander Frankie Montas on the 15-day injured list with a UCL injury in his throwing elbow, and it’s not a minor tweak. According to manager Carlos Mendoza, it’s “pretty significant.” He’s done for 2025. That $34 million guarantee? Montas has delivered 38 2/3 innings in return. That’s $880,000 per inning — and we’re not even factoring in the dingers he gave up.
Let’s rewind. This was supposed to be Montas’ redemption arc — the comeback story after shoulder issues plagued his 2023 with the Yankees. He signs a deal with the Mets, and then… boom. A lat strain in spring, delayed debut until late June, and after one solid outing, the wheels just fell clean off. Over his next six starts, he put up a staggering 7.85 ERA. Not even remotely competitive. Balls flying out of the park, strikeouts evaporating, and command issues galore.
Bullpen Move Fizzles Fast
So the Mets tried the bullpen route. Maybe shorter outings, less pressure, better matchups? Nope. That didn’t work either. More walks, more hits, and another home run — all adding up to an ugly 6.28 ERA overall. Now he’s back on the shelf, and we’re all holding our breath to hear those dreaded three words: Tommy John Surgery.
The club hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but when it comes to a UCL injury that shuts you down for a full season before September, the writing’s usually on the wall. Even if Montas avoids going under the knife, it’s hard to imagine a path where he contributes meaningfully in 2026 — and let’s be honest, the Mets might be moving on long before then.
Brazoban Steps In, Rotation Holds Firm (For Now)
So what’s next? Enter Huascar Brazoban, the journeyman righty with a sneaky-solid 3.83 ERA this season. He’s not flashy, but he eats innings and keeps the ball in the yard more often than not. That’s about all you can ask for from a long man in late August. And with the rotation settling in around Senga, Manaea, Peterson, Holmes, and rising prospect Nolan McLean, maybe — maybe — the Mets can tread water without another disruption.
Still, this isn’t just about losing a pitcher. It’s about a massive whiff in free agency, another chapter in a season full of “what ifs,” and a reminder that when it comes to the Mets… even the backup plans sometimes need a backup plan.
