Frankie Montas: A Pitcher of Promise and Perseverance

Frankie Montas, a right-handed pitcher currently with the Cincinnati Reds, is a compelling figure in Major League Baseball. Known for his explosive fastball and dynamic repertoire, Montas has showcased glimpses of frontline starter potential, though injuries and inconsistencies have occasionally hampered his trajectory.

Montas originally signed with the Boston Red Sox as an international free agent in 2009. His professional journey saw him traded to the Chicago White Sox in 2013. It was with the White Sox organization that he began to truly emerge as a prospect, demonstrating the raw power and developing secondary pitches that would eventually define his arsenal.

A significant turning point in Montas’ career came when he was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2016 as part of a package for Josh Reddick and Rich Hill. In Oakland, he found stability and an environment conducive to developing his skills. Under the tutelage of pitching coaches in the A’s organization, Montas refined his mechanics and expanded his pitch selection. He began to harness his power fastball, which consistently sits in the mid-to-upper 90s, and developed a devastating splitter that became a signature pitch.

Montas enjoyed a breakout season in 2019, solidifying his spot in the Athletics’ starting rotation. He showcased his ability to dominate hitters, striking out a significant number of batters and demonstrating improved command. However, his momentum was unfortunately cut short by a suspension for violating MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. This setback cast a shadow over his progress, but Montas vowed to learn from the experience and return stronger.

Upon his return, Montas continued to display his immense talent. He became a reliable presence in the A’s rotation, often serving as a workhorse who could eat innings and provide quality starts. His performance earned him recognition as a potential trade target for contending teams, seeking to bolster their pitching staffs for playoff runs. In 2022, he was traded to the New York Yankees at the trade deadline.

His tenure with the Yankees was unfortunately marred by injury. He struggled to replicate the success he had found in Oakland and ultimately underwent shoulder surgery, limiting his impact on the team. Free agency led him to sign with the Cincinnati Reds for the 2024 season, hoping for a fresh start and the opportunity to re-establish himself as a dependable starting pitcher.

Looking ahead, Frankie Montas possesses the talent to be a valuable asset for the Reds. If he can stay healthy and recapture the form he displayed in Oakland, he has the potential to anchor the rotation and contribute significantly to the team’s success. His story is one of resilience, demonstrating the ability to overcome setbacks and continue pursuing his passion for the game. He remains a player to watch, a reminder that potential, when combined with perseverance, can lead to great things on the baseball diamond.