The Cincinnati Reds have agreed to terms on a deal with free agent right-hander Frankie Montas. News of the signing was first reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Bob Nightengale of USA Today adds that Montas will net $16 million for the 2024 season in the deal. The Reds have not confirmed the signing, which is pending a physical and most likely won’t happen until after New Year’s Day.
One Appearance in 2023
Frankie Montas is coming off a short-lived 2023 season due to a right shoulder injury. He had to have arthroscopic surgery in February to repair the damage. Montas ultimately made only one appearance in the majors, throwing 1 1/3 innings out of the bullpen for the New York Yankees in the 161st game of the season against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees walked away with a 5–2 victory in that contest.
Setting the Starting Rotation
With Nick Martinez signed to a two-year, $26 million deal last month, Montas is the second pitcher to join the Reds’ rotation mix in the offseason. While Martinez might still factor into the Reds’ bullpen picture, Montas is more of a clear-cut starter. This is assuming that he is back to full health after a lost 2023 season. As is, the Reds have a projected rotation of Martinez, Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Graham Ashcraft, and Nick Lodolo. That group has a lot of potential but also a lot of injury questions and not a lot of major league experience.
As a result, the Reds were said to be looking for starting pitching help this offseason. They have been linked to a wide array of names on both the free agent and trade fronts. A trade has always seemed to be the likeliest route given the Reds’ wealth of minor-league depth. They have also been linked to such free agents as Seth Lugo, Yariel Rodriguez, and old friend Sonny Gray.
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