MLB Rumors: Frankie Montas, Reds Agree to 1-Year, $16M Contract in Free Agency

Cincinnati is the destination for Frankie Montas.

The right-hand pitcher will sign a one-year, $16 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds, according to a report published on Saturday by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

He joins Jeimer Candelario, an infielder, as the Reds’ other noteworthy free agency acquisition this winter. Montas has a 37-35 career record, 612 strikeouts, and a 3.90 ERA.

At the 2022 trade deadline, Montas was a sought-after player, and the New York Yankees managed to acquire him. After missing most of the 2023 season, Montas struggled with a 1-3 record and a 6.35 ERA for the balance of that season, thus that transfer did not go well for New York.’

Nevertheless, Montas is a pitcher with a lot of potential, and Cincinnati’s low-risk acquisition may present him with a chance to both advance the Reds and revitalize his career.

Although Cincinnati’s 2023 season was uneventful, it was a significant improvement. Cincinnati was in the running for the postseason in late September, having finished with 82-80 last season after losing 100 games in 2022.

But from where the team was at the time, the Reds appeared to be favorites to win the weak NL Central, so missing the playoffs was disappointing.

However, the roster is still young, and the Reds might return to the postseason with the addition of an arm like Montas.