Frankie Montas has been a key player in MLB since his debut in 2015. However, his performance has been unpredictable at times, leading some to question whether he’s a good pitcher. In recent years, he has shown glimpses of his high potential, but there are still doubts about his consistency.
So, is Frankie Montas good?
The Numbers
Frankie Montas had a solid season in 2021, demonstrating his ability as a pitcher. With a strong pitch mix and some established success, there is ample reason to be excited for his 2023 season with the New York team.
In 2021, Montas was a reliable pitcher, throwing 166 innings and making 28 starts. He finished with an ERA of 3.87, which was certainly respectable. He also recorded a WHIP of 1.21, indicating that he was able to limit base runners effectively.
When compared to other top pitchers in the league, Montas falls favorably alongside them. For instance, he had a better FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) than pitchers like Marcus Stroman and Zack Greinke; Montas also had a higher strikeout rate than Milwaukee Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff.
These numbers suggest that Montas had a much better season than people may have realized. How did he achieve this success? Montas’ fastball was truly impressive, reaching an average velocity of 96.6 mph.
His breaking balls – the slider and splitter, in particular – were also very effective. His command, as evidenced by his good walk rate, was impressive.
Finally, while some have criticized his pitch mix and said he should rely less on his fastball, his secondary pitches were actually much better this season.
His splitter, in particular, was incredibly effective, with opponents striking out on nearly 30% of swings against it. He could improve his slider in particular, but given the success he had with his other pitches, there is good reason to be optimistic moving forward.
Frankie Montas had an incredibly successful 2021 season, and there is no reason why he shouldn’t maintain this level of performance. With a good pitch mix, solid command, and an impressive fastball, he should be a key part of the New York team’s pitching staff come 2023.
Pitch Mix
Montas’ success as a pitcher is due in part to his effective pitch mix. He primarily relies on a fastball and a split-fingered fastball, complemented by a slider and occasional changeup.
The effectiveness of Montas’ pitch mix is evidenced by his success on the mound. In 2021, Montas posted a 3.80 ERA and 1.20 WHIP through 32 starts. He struck out 193 batters in 185.2 innings, an average of 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings.
Montas’ pitch mix affects his performance by keeping batters off balance. His fastball, which he throws in the mid-to-upper 90s, sets up his split-fingered fastball, which has significant downward movement. The slider is an effective change of pace and a valuable weapon against opposite-handed batters.
However, there is potential for Montas to improve his pitch mix. He could benefit from incorporating a curveball or a changeup with more regularity.
His slider, while effective, is thrown with less frequency than his other pitches. Increasing the variety of his pitches would make it more difficult for batters to predict what’s coming and increase his overall effectiveness.
Furthermore, Montas has recently shown a tendency to leave his fastball up in the zone, resulting in increased hard-hit contact. By mixing in more off-speed pitches and elevating the fastball less frequently, he could improve his ability to induce weak contact and limit damage.
Overall, Montas’ pitch mix is a key component of his success as a pitcher. While it has been effective in the past, there is potential for improvement. With the right adjustments and potentially the addition of new pitches, Montas could become an even more formidable component of the New York pitching staff.
Established Success
Marcus Semien and the Toronto Blue Jays won their final home game in the regular season with a 6-1 victory against the New York Yankees on Wednesday. The Blue Jays (87-69) still need to clinch a wild-card berth, while the Yankees (89-67) are currently holding onto the top wild-card spot in the American League.
One player who could play a big role in the Yankees’ success down the stretch is Frankie Montas. Since the beginning of 2021, Montas has been one of the best pitchers in baseball, with a 15-7 record, a 3.65 ERA, and a 1.18 WHIP in 180 innings pitched.
Montas was acquired by the Yankees from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline, and although he hasn’t been as dominant in his 10 starts with New York (4-5, 4.54 ERA, 1.37 WHIP), there’s no reason to think that his previous success has completely disappeared.
Montas’ previous success with Oakland is a clear indication of his talent. In 2019, Montas was suspended for 80 games for violating MLB’s drug policy, but before that, he had compiled a 9-2 record with a 2.70 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 90 innings pitched.
How that success translates to his performance with New York remains to be seen, but there’s good reason to be excited for his 2023 season. Montas has a strong pitch mix, with a four-seam fastball that averages just over 96 mph, a slider, a sinker, and a changeup.
He ranks in the 91st percentile in fastball velocity, 82nd percentile in expected slugging percentage, and 76th percentile in expected weighted on-base average, according to Baseball Savant.
The importance of established success in evaluating Montas’ talent cannot be overstated. He has already shown that he can be an elite pitcher in the majors, and he’s only 28 years old.
If he can tap into his potential with New York, there’s no telling how good he can be. With the Yankees likely to be in the playoff hunt in 2023, Montas’ success could be the key to a deep postseason run.
Potential for Improvement
Areas Where Montas Can Improve
Despite Montas’ success this season, there are areas where he can improve. One area is his control. Montas has walked 3.2 batters per nine innings this season, which is slightly above league average. He could benefit from fine-tuning his control and reducing his walks.
Another area for improvement is his ability to limit home runs. Montas has given up 1.2 home runs per nine innings this season, which is a little high. If he can improve his pitch selection and location, he could reduce the number of home runs he gives up.
Ways to Address Weaknesses and Improve Performance
There are several ways Montas can address his weaknesses and improve his performance. One way is to work with his pitching coach to develop a more effective pitch mix.
By varying the types of pitches he throws and their location, he can keep hitters off-balance and limit their ability to make solid contact. Montas could also work on developing better command of his pitches, which would help him reduce his walks and increase his effectiveness.
How Montas’ Potential for Improvement Affects His Overall Talent Evaluation
Montas’ potential for improvement is an important factor in his overall talent evaluation. While he has had a successful season in 2021, his ability to make improvements and continue to develop as a pitcher will play a large role in his long-term success.
If he is able to make improvements in his control and pitch mix, he could be a dominant starter for years to come. However, if he is unable to address his weaknesses, his performance may plateau or even decline.
Therefore, scouts and talent evaluators will closely monitor Montas’ progress to determine his potential for continued success.
Is Frankie Montas a Reliever?
Frankie Montas made his major league debut as a relief pitcher. He was promoted by the White Sox on September 1. Montas had previously been promoted earlier in the season. He has primarily been used as a reliever in his professional career.
Montas has also started games in the minor leagues. His fastball has been clocked at over 100 mph. Montas has struggled with control at times. He has been successful in limiting hits and striking out batters.
Montas was originally signed by the Boston Red Sox. He was traded to the White Sox in 2016 as part of a multiplayer deal.
How Much Does Frankie Montas Make?
Frankie Montas’ Baseball Career
Montas is a professional baseball player for the Oakland Athletics, starting his career in 2015 with the Chicago White Sox.
Frankie Montas’ Annual Salary
As of 2021, Montas’ annual salary is $1.8 million, according to Spotrac.
Frankie Montas’ Contract Details
Montas signed a one-year contract extension with the Athletics in February 2021, earning him a base salary of $1.8 million for the upcoming season.
Frankie Montas’ Achievements
In 2019, Montas was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for June and finished the season with a 9-2 record and a 2.63 ERA.
Frankie Montas’ Future Earnings Potential
Montas is eligible for arbitration in 2022 and is scheduled to become a free agent in 2024, with the potential to earn even more in the future.
Why is Frankie Montas Not Playing?
Montas struggled with a high ERA after the trade
Montas pitched to a 6.38 ERA in eight starts after being traded to the team.
A shoulder injury kept him out of most of September
Montas missed most of September due to a shoulder injury.
Montas had offseason trouble with the same shoulder
In the offseason, Montas began experiencing more trouble with his shoulder that eventually required surgery.
Montas will miss most, if not all, of the 2023 season
Due to his shoulder surgery, Montas is expected to miss most, if not all of the 2023 season.
His surgery has left the team without one of their key players
Montas’ absence will be felt by the team as he was one of their key players.
How Long Is Severino Out?
Severino’s Injury Update
Pitching coach Matt Blake announced that Severino would be shut down for five to ten days.
The Significance of the Injury
While the shutdown may not seem too drastic, it is concerning considering Severino’s injury history.
Severino’s Injury History
Severino has been plagued by injuries in recent years, only making seven appearances since 2019 due to a shoulder injury, Tommy John surgery, and a groin injury.
Impact on the Team
Severino’s extended absence will undoubtedly impact the Yankees’ starting rotation and overall pitching depth.
Uncertainty Moving Forward
It is unclear at this time how long Severino will be out beyond the initial five to ten-day shutdown, leaving the Yankees with potential long-term pitching questions.
To Recap
Frankie Montas is a talented pitcher with a lot of potential. While he may not be the most consistent player out there, his recent performances suggest that he is capable of achieving greatness.
With the right support, Montas could continue to grow and develop his skills, becoming one of the best pitchers in the league. So, while there may be some question marks, there is certainly cause for optimism when it comes to Frankie Montas.
