The Reds have been active this winter, as Cincinnati’s added several veterans to bolster a group that nearly made it to the playoffs in 2023. Cincinnati made another move on December 30, as the Reds signed veteran starter Frankie Montas to a one-year deal. Here’s a closer look at the new Red.
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A Look at Montas
New Reds starter Frankie Montas only threw 1.1 IP last year at the MLB level after he underwent right shoulder surgery earlier in the year. In that 1.1 IP, the ex-Yankee gave up two hits but also struck out one and earned the victory on September 30 against the Royals.
Montas’ lone outing in the Majors last season didn’t salvage the ill-fated trade — a deal that sent Luis Medina, JP Sears, and Ken Waldichuk to Oakland — that the Yankees made to get Montas in August 2022. During his time in The Bronx, Montas made just nine outings and gave up 28 runs over 41 regular season innings. However, it did give Montas a chance to show potential suitors what he had.
The 30-year-old right-hander had a fair amount of success with the A’s from 2017-22. Montas struck out 207 over 187 two years ago and was on pace to have arguably his best career season in 2019 (103 K, 2.63 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) before he was suspended for a performance-enhancing substance.
The veteran righty gets fine movement on both a mid-90s four-seam fastball and sinker, the latter of which he can play off what’s been a very good split-change that can drop down on hitters and be tough to pick up.
Additionally, Montas boasts a cut fastball that he mainly uses to jam lefties and a slider to beat same-side hitters.
Thanks in large part to good overall command and stuff, the 30-year-old was able to rank above average in hard hit, whiff, and chase metrics in 2022. Now, he’ll look to do the same in 2024 with the Reds.
Per reports, Frankie Montas will join the Reds on a one-year deal worth $16MM.
Analysis
For Montas, the 30-year-old will get a fresh start after what was a lost 2023 campaign. It’s a one-year deal, meaning that the new Red can test the market again next winter and look for a more lucrative deal.
As for the Reds, Cincinnati’s been busy this winter fortifying their pitching staff. The Reds picked up SP/RP Nick Martinez and RP Emilio Pagan in free agency and brought back Buck Farmer for 2024.
The Reds relied heavily on their young starters last season, particularly on Graham Ashcraft and Brandon Williamson. However, injuries to Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Ashcraft last year made things dicey and it didn’t help that Cincinnati had a brief COVID outbreak in September that forced the Reds to move up Connor Phillips and Carson Spiers for late-season appearances.
The additions of Montas and Martinez give the Reds much-needed depth. Injuries may very well become a problem in 2024, not to mention Cincinnati will also need to manage their young starters’ workload. That became a problem last season with Andrew Abbott, who looked out of sorts over the final two months.