Mets Fans Sound Off on Frankie Montas Signing—But Is the Criticism Fair?

The New York Mets have once again found themselves at the center of a heated debate, and this time, it’s over their acquisition of Frankie Montas. With Montas sidelined due to a right lat injury, Mets fans and analysts alike are questioning whether this move was the right call. But is all the criticism really justified?

Montas' injury means he won’t be able to throw for at least six to eight weeks, followed by an additional period of reconditioning. If all goes well, the earliest he'll return is May. This has led to an outcry from fans, particularly from certain media personalities, who are convinced that General Manager David Stearns made a critical mistake. But let’s take a step back and look at the situation logically.

A Knee-Jerk Reaction?

The outrage from some quarters has been extreme. Some are sarcastically calling Stearns a "boy genius," dismissing his moves and claiming he should have directed the funds elsewhere—perhaps to a player like Walker Buehler. However, that argument ignores the broader market conditions at the time Montas was signed. No one could predict the exact fluctuations in the pitching market.

Potential Replacements for Montas

While Montas’ injury is frustrating, the Mets have depth. Tylor Megill could step up, or the Mets could opt to acquire another arm. Speculation has arisen around targeting names like Jose Quintana or Brandon Sproat. There’s also a slim chance of swinging big for a premier pitcher like Dylan Cease, but that’s unlikely given the cost of such an acquisition.

Stearns has shown that his method works. He was instrumental in bringing in Juan Soto and ensuring Pete Alonso remained with the team. Does one less successful move erase all the good he has done?

Mets' Offensive Potential

While pitching concerns dominate discussions, let’s not lose sight of the Mets’ offensive firepower. Analyst Tom Verducci recently broke down how the Mets’ batting lineup stacks up against the best in the league. With Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso leading the charge, the Mets are expected to be an offensive powerhouse in the 2025 season.

Verducci also highlighted an interesting development with Jeff McNeil. The former National League batting champion has reportedly switched to a different bat model, one that could increase his power at the plate. However, some Mets fans—including the podcaster who covered this topic—are skeptical of McNeil’s attempt to hit for power rather than maintaining his classic contact-based approach. Would his team be better served by him focusing on gap-to-gap hitting instead?

Ronny Mauricio: The Wild Card

Another major factor in the Mets’ season will be the development of Ronny Mauricio. After missing last season with a knee injury, Mauricio is poised to make an impact once he fully recovers. Analysts project him as a potential 20-20 player (20 home runs, 20 stolen bases) with tremendous upside as a power hitter in the lower half of the lineup. If he reaches his potential, the Mets could have a dangerous weapon deep in their batting order.

Final Thoughts

The Mets' 2024 season is poised to be an exciting one. While the Frankie Montas situation has created controversy, the team remains in a strong position with options available for their pitching rotation. The offense looks powerful, thanks to names like Soto, Alonso, and Lindor, and if players like Mauricio step up, the Mets could be a legitimate threat.

Is the criticism towards David Stearns fair, or are fans and analysts overreacting to one injury-related setback? Only time will tell. But with the talent assembled on this roster, expectations should remain high.

What do you think? Is the Montas signing a disaster, or is this just a minor obstacle for an otherwise formidable Mets team? Sound off in the comments!