The 2025 season has been a series of hopeful highs followed by devastating lows for the New York Mets. The team has alternated between flashes of championship-caliber play and total dysfunction. There’s plenty of blame to go around for New York’s issues this season. But pitching has played a major role, highlighted by Frankie Montas’ struggles.
The veteran starter was demoted from the rotation to the bullpen amid a disastrous slump in his debut season with the Mets. After two relief appearances, Montas has landed on the injured list.
New York announced that the 10th-year hurler was placed on the 15-day IL with a right elbow UCL injury, per SNY Mets. The move is retroactive to August 22.
Mets lose struggling former starter to injury
The Mets signed Montas to a two-year, $34 million contract over the winter. He was expected to bring experience to the playoff-hopeful team as a back-of-the-rotation starter with upside.
Unfortunately, the 32-year-old righty opened the season on the IL with a lat strain. The injury pushed his Mets debut to late June. And, outside of a strong first start, Montas struggled mightily.
Manager Carlos Mendoza made the decision to move the beleaguered veteran to the bullpen after an ugly outing against the San Francisco Giants on August 3. However, his struggles continued in two relief appearances. On the season, Montas has posted a 6.28 ERA, 1.603 WHIP, 63 ERA+ and -0.7 bWAR in 38.2 innings.
On the bright side, the Mets replaced Montas in the rotation with top pitching prospect Nolan McLean. The rookie righty is off to a tremendous start in the majors, going 2-0 in his first two starts. McLean has been a breath of fresh air for New York's struggling rotation. Perhaps he can spark a turnaround over the second half.
The Mets had a 1.5-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East on July 28 and appeared poised to take control of the division. However, after surpassing the Phillies, the team hit a brutal slump, losing 14 of the next 16 games.
The Mets pulled out of the tailspin, going 4-2 over their last six games. But the team didn't recover quickly enough. Despite improving to 68-60 with McLean’s second win on Friday, New York trails Philadelphia by six games in the division.
