Oakland Athletics ace Frankie Montas was expected to be potentially moved prior to the 2022 MLB season, but he ultimately stayed put. However, with the A's in tank mode, they could look to cash in at the August 2nd trade deadline. Montas is currently dealing with a shoulder ailment that is set to keep him out indefinitely. There is no structural damage though, which is certainly a good sign with the All-Star Break quickly approaching. Montas' numbers speak for themselves, posting a 3.26 ERA in 17 starts while striking out 100 in 96.2 innings. The 3-9 record isn't great, but that comes down to a lack of run support.
Nevertheless, he is a quality starting pitcher that can help a variety of teams who frankly need rotation help right now. Here are the 3 best destinations for Frankie Montas at the 2022 MLB trade deadline.
Watch MLB Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)
3 best destinations for Frankie Montas at the 2022 MLB trade deadline
The Mets are just on the brink of getting Jacob deGrom back as he recently made his first rehab start since suffering a shoulder injury in Spring Training. Max Scherzer also just returned after a near two-month absence, throwing six scoreless on Tuesday against the Reds. Nonetheless, New York's rotation has a 4.06 ERA this season, which ranks 16th in the big leagues. Even though Scherzer and deGrom are set to be in the picture again, they could use another quality starter at the back-end of the rotation like Frankie Montas.
Carlos Carrasco has an ERA just under five right now, while former A's stud Chris Bassitt is also not pitching that great. The reason the Mets are last on this list is because they don't absolutely need Montas. However, he's a consistent arm who puts his best foot forward every single day. A 1-2-3 punch of Scherzer, deGrom, and Montas would be one of the best in the big leagues. If the Mets are serious about making a World Series run, they should consider a trade for Frankie Montas.
The Giants' rotation owns a 3.91 ERA. That's not awful by any means, but it's essentially below four because of Logan Webb and Carlos Rodon, who are dealing this season. They are in serious need of a proven starter amid their poor campaign and Frankie Montas could be the answer. Yes, it's rare that Oakland and San Francisco do business together but as long as the A's get a decent haul in return, they won't care where Montas ends up.
He would likely slot in as the No. 2 option in the rotation and he's familiar with pitching in the Bay Area of course. Montas has overpowering stuff and can instantly be a difference-maker for a Giants team that must receive a spark if they're going to be in the playoff mix heading into the second half. Alex Wood and Alex Cobb aren't cutting it at the back-end of this staff. Trading for Frankie Montas would be a logical decision.
The Cardinals are sliding at the moment and while their offense has been rather consistent, the arms have not. Their rotation ERA of 4.16 is 18th in the MLB. Aside from Miles Mikolas and Adam Wainwright, the two oldest players in the rotation, it's been a nightmare for St. Louis in 2022. Past their 1-2 punch, there is zero consistency. Steven Matz is injured and although he's returning soon, his 6.03 ERA is not reliable. Jack Flaherty, once one of their best starters, made three atrocious starts before landing back on the IL with shoulder soreness after missing the first two months of the season with the same problem.
Frankie Montas would have the opportunity to come in and be a top option for the Cardinals right away. Outside of Mikolas and Wainwright, there is no one proving they can get it done every fifth day and give the Cards a chance to win ballgames. St. Louis is just three games behind the Brewers in the NL Central and the addition of a guy like Montas could seriously make a notable difference heading into the second half.
Follow Us
Subscribe