Frankie Montas Released by Mets, Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
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The New York Mets have released right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas, who will undergo Tommy john surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.Despite the surgery meaning he will miss the entire 2026 season, Montas exercised his $17 million player option for the 2025 season prior to his release. https://www.mlb.com/news/frankie-montas-released-by-mets The move frees up a 40-man roster spot, which the Mets filled by selecting outfielder Nick Morabito, their No. 16 prospect. https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/mets/nick-morabito-703492
A Disappointing Mets Tenure for Montas
The Mets signed Montas to a two-year,$34 million contract in December 2023,hoping he would bolster their starting rotation alongside additions like Clay holmes and Griffin Canning. https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/player/frankie-montas/ Though, his time in New York was plagued by injuries and ineffectiveness.
Montas suffered a right lat muscle tear during Spring Training, delaying his debut until June 24th. In seven starts, he posted a 6.68 ERA. He was later moved to the bullpen, making only two appearances before suffering the UCL tear that necessitated Tommy John surgery.
Montas’ Career Overview
Throughout his 10-year Major League Baseball career, Montas has played for six different teams: the New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and the New York Mets. He has a career record of 47-48 with a 4.20 ERA. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/montaf01.shtml
What is tommy John Surgery?
Tommy John surgery, formally known as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, is a surgical procedure to repair a torn UCL in the elbow.The UCL is crucial for stabilizing the elbow during throwing motions. The surgery involves replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon from elsewhere in the patient’s body, or from a donor. Recovery typically takes 12-18 months, meaning Montas is unlikely to return to the mound until well into the 2026 season. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatments-and-conditions/orthopedic-conditions/tommy-john-surgery
Key Takeaways
* Frankie Montas has been released by the New York Mets.
* He will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the 2026 season.
* Montas exercised his $17 million player option for 2025 before being released.
* The Mets added outfielder Nick Morabito to their 40-man roster.
* Montas’ Mets tenure was hampered by injury and poor performance.
The Mets are now left to navigate their pitching plans without Montas, while the pitcher faces a lengthy recovery process. His future in baseball remains uncertain, but the surgery offers him a path back to the mound once he completes rehabilitation.