CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Reds, aiming to strengthen their pitching staff, have signed free agent right-hander Frankie Montas to a one-year contract. President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall confirmed the deal, which is valued at $14 million for the 2024 season. It also includes a $20 million mutual option for 2025, complemented by a $2 million team buyout.
Montas, a notable presence in the mound, has been a consistent performer in Major League Baseball. His career peaked in 2021 with the Oakland Athletics, where he finished sixth in the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s (BBWAA) Cy Young Award voting. That season, Montas boasted a 13-9 record, a 3.37 ERA in 32 starts, and demonstrated remarkable consistency by allowing 3 earned runs or fewer in 29 of his 32 starts. He also pitched 6.0 or more innings in 21 of those starts.
From 2018 to 2022, Montas secured a 3.70 ERA, ranking fifth-lowest in the American League among pitchers with at least 500.0 innings. This performance placed him among elite company, trailing only behind renowned pitchers such as Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Shane Bieber, and Framber Valdez.
Krall expressed confidence in Montas, remarking, “We are excited to add a pitcher of Frankie’s caliber to our staff. We are confident he will return to the form that made him one of baseball’s best pitchers before he suffered the shoulder injury.”
Montas’ previous season was marred by injury, as he missed the first 160 games while with the New York Yankees, following right shoulder surgery in February. He made a brief return in September with a 1.1 scoreless innings relief appearance against Kansas City.
The Dominican Republic native, set to turn 31 on March 21, brings a wealth of experience to the Reds. His MLB journey began with the Chicago White Sox in 2015, followed by six seasons with the Oakland Athletics. Montas was later traded to the Yankees in August 2022 as part of a six-player deal.
In a corresponding roster move, catcher Austin Wynns was designated for assignment by the Reds to accommodate Montas’ arrival. This strategic acquisition signals the Reds’ commitment to bolstering their pitching lineup for the upcoming season.
