Reds To Sign Frankie Montas
The Cincinnati Reds have reached an agreement with free agent pitcher Frankie Montas on a one-year deal worth $16MM, according to reports. Montas, represented by the Boras Corporation, joins Nick Martinez as the second Boras client to join the Reds' rotation mix.
Reds Bolster Rotation with Montas Signing
The Reds have made a significant move to bolster their pitching staff by signing free agent Frankie Montas. According to reports, Montas will receive a one-year deal worth $16MM. This signing comes just a month after the Reds signed Nick Martinez, another client of agent Scott Boras, to a two-year, $26MM contract.
Montas is expected to slot into the Reds' starting rotation, bringing much-needed experience and depth to a young rotation that is filled with potential but also injury concerns. Montas had a strong 2022 season before struggling with the New York Yankees in 2023 due to shoulder problems. However, if Montas can return to his previous form, he has the potential to be a key contributor for the Reds.
The Reds' Pursuit of Pitching Help
The Reds made it known that they were in the market for starting pitching this offseason. With a rotation that features young and inexperienced arms like Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Graham Ashcraft, and Nick Lodolo, the Reds recognized the need to bring in more established arms to provide stability.
While the Reds explored various trade and free agent options, it appears that they ultimately found their solution in Frankie Montas. The right-hander was highly sought after at the trade deadline in 2022 and is now looking to bounce back after a challenging 2023 season. The Reds will be hoping that Montas can follow in the footsteps of Sonny Gray, who revived his career in Cincinnati after struggling with the Yankees.
The signing of Montas further solidifies the Reds' commitment to building a competitive team in the NL Central. With several key signings already this offseason, including Jeimer Candelario and Emilio Pagan, the Reds are looking to challenge for the division title in the upcoming season.
The Value and Risk of the Montas Deal
While there is some risk involved in signing Frankie Montas to a one-year, $16MM deal, the Reds have mitigated that risk by structuring the contract as a short-term commitment. If Montas performs well, the Reds could potentially issue him a qualifying offer next offseason, which could lead to a compensatory draft pick.
Furthermore, the Reds' payroll remains below the league average, giving them some flexibility to make additional moves. President of baseball operations Nick Krall has been active in the free agent market, making a series of signings to bolster the team's overall depth and talent. With a strong core of young players, the Reds are positioning themselves as contenders in the NL Central.
Overall, the signing of Frankie Montas represents a calculated move by the Reds to improve their pitching staff. If Montas can regain his previous form and stay healthy, he has the potential to be a key contributor in the rotation. The success of this signing will ultimately be determined by Montas' performance on the field.
