3 potential trade destinations for Frankie Montas
Frankie Montas is a difficult pitcher to evaluate. The Oakland A’s starter can have outings where he is untouchable, and then look as though he is throwing batting practice the next time out. His 2019 season was dominant, then he was suspended for PEDs. Montas struggled in 2020 as his “minor back issue” turned out to be a season long problem.
Then came his 2021 campaign. He posted a 3.37 ERA and a 1.182 WHiP in his 187 innings, striking out 207 batters with 57 walks. That performance was good enough to earn Cy Young votes, even if he failed to earn his first All Star berth.
Three possible landing spots for Frankie Montas
It is understandable that teams would be interested in Montas after that performance. He has two years of team control left and will turn 29 years old at the start of the season. It is possible that the best is yet to come, making him an attractive target for those teams looking to upgrade their rotation.
The Oakland A”s have an intriguing trade chip in Frankie Montas. Let’s take a look at three possible landing spots if he is dealt.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners have not been shy about their interest in various players on the Oakland A’s should they come available. Frankie Montas is one of those pieces they have stated an interest in.
The Mariners are focusing on winning, and winning now. They have already made moves to upgrade the roster, adding Adam Frazier and Robbie Ray. However, the Mariners have also indicated that they are not done as it pertains to their pitching staff as they are looking to add another arm to the rotation.
Montas would be a good fit for Seattle’s plans. He may not be an ace, but he has flashed the potential to be a solid second starter. The Mariners are hoping that Ray can be the ace they need, but the rest of their rotation is not going to strike fear into the hearts of their opponents. Adding Montas would allow Seattle to move the rest of their starters back a spot in the rotation, allowing for better fits.
There is one very important question about such a deal. The A’s may be loath to deal Montas within the division as they would not want to face him multiple times a season. But the A’s are also going to be looking for the best deal, and everyone knows that Jerry Dipoto will stop at nothing to make a trade he feels will benefit his roster.
The Seattle Mariners are looking to add another arm to their rotation. Frankie Montas could be the piece they need.
New York Mets
Steve Cohen had an ultimatum when he became the majority owner of the New York Mets – to win a championship and to win one as soon as possible.
He has put his money where his mouth is. After an impressive spending spree last offseason, Cohen and the Mets have already raided the A’s for Starling Marte and Mark Canha. Max Scherzer has upgraded the rotation dramatically. But the Mets still need more.
To that end, they are placing one of their more intriguing players on the block. Jeff McNeil had been their second baseman, and even made the 2019 All Star Game, but has slumped lately with the bat. At this point, he has seemingly fallen out of favor with the Mets as he is expected to be traded away for pitching help.
Frankie Montas would fit perfectly for the Mets. He would be able to slot in as their third starter, a solid arm who can take the ball every fifth day seemingly without fail. His potential to perform as a top of the rotation arm would make their pitching staff that much better. He would cost more than just McNeil, but Montas could be the difference between reaching the postseason or facing another disappointing October.
The New York Mets are looking for help for their rotation. They could end up as the perfect landing spot for Frankie Montas.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs swore that they were not about to enter a rebuilding phase even though they held a fire sale at the trade deadline. Their actions thus far prove that they are looking to reload.
As it is, the Cubs have addressed what was a mediocre starting rotation. Wade Miley was essentially gifted to them by the Reds and they inked Marcus Stroman as a free agent. Even with those additions, the Cubs still need to add to their rotation.
Frankie Montas could be the type of arm they need. He would likely slot in as their second starter between Stroman and Kyle Hendricks, adding another solid arm with a great deal of potential to their rotation.
As with the other teams listed, the Cubs are still intent on addressing their pitching staff. They will also need to remake their bullpen as well after trading away several of their top relievers at the deadline as well. However, there are still solid relievers in free agency, whereas the top starters are almost all gone.
Next. A hypothetical trade for Frankie Montas. dark
The Chicago Cubs are still looking for another piece for the starting rotation. Frankie Montas could be the answer.