Sophia
The New York Mets’ ambitious pursuit of a World Series title has suffered a significant setback, with starting pitcher Frankie Montas slated for Tommy John surgery. This devastating news not only sidelines the veteran right-hander for the remainder of the current season but also casts a long shadow over his 2026 campaign, potentially marking a premature end to his tenure in Queens.
Team owner Steve Cohen’s substantial winter investments aimed to transform the Mets into a championship contender. While the season began with promising flashes, a relentless string of injuries and inconsistent performances has left the team battling for a Wild Card berth, far from the dominant force envisioned.
Montas’ Disastrous Mets Debut Season Culminates in UCL Tear
The latest blow comes from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, who confirmed that Montas will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. This injury, a pitcher’s worst nightmare, effectively ends his 2025 season and jeopardizes his return until well into 2026.
Montas, 32, signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Mets, a deal that now appears to be one of the more unfortunate acquisitions of the offseason. His season was plagued from the start, as a high-grade muscle strain in spring training kept him out for the first three months. Upon his return, the veteran struggled to find his form.
In just seven starts this year, Montas posted a disheartening 6.68 ERA, striking out only 29 batters while surrendering an alarming nine home runs. These numbers are a stark contrast to the dominant pitcher the Mets hoped they were acquiring.
With an opt-out clause at the end of the current campaign, Montas’ future with the team was already uncertain. This injury all but guarantees he will not exercise that option and will instead focus on a lengthy rehabilitation process. His contract expires after the 2026 season, making his return to the mound in a Mets uniform highly improbable.
A Brief, Ineffective Stint in the Bullpen
As his struggles mounted, the Mets moved Montas to the bullpen on August 12, hoping a change of scenery and role might spark a turnaround. However, his two relief appearances offered little solace.
His first bullpen outing against the Milwaukee Brewers on August 9 saw him yield three runs (one earned) on three hits, including a home run, and two walks, with three strikeouts. His final appearance, against the Seattle Mariners on August 15, was marginally better, as he pitched two innings of one-run ball on three hits and two walks, without a strikeout.
This would be Montas’ last act in a Mets uniform this season. He was placed on the disabled list on August 23 with a UCL injury, which manager Carlos Mendoza described as “pretty significant.” The subsequent diagnosis of a torn UCL confirmed the worst fears, leading to the recommendation for Tommy John surgery.
Impact on the Mets’ Playoff Push
The loss of Montas, while not a surprise given his performance, further depletes a Mets pitching staff that has struggled with consistency and health throughout the season. Manager Carlos Mendoza now faces an even tougher challenge as the team battles for a playoff spot in a fiercely competitive National League. The team will need other pitchers to step up significantly to fill the void.
This news also brings into focus the broader issue of pitcher health in MLB, with Tommy John surgery becoming an increasingly common procedure. For Montas, the road to recovery will be long and arduous, and his future in professional baseball remains uncertain.
As the Mets push towards the postseason, they will have to do so without one of their key offseason acquisitions, a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball and the high stakes involved in building a championship-caliber team.
