The New York Mets made what they believed was a key
offseason move by signing Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million deal,
aiming to strengthen their starting rotation. But in a brutal twist of fate,
Montas has suffered a serious setback, dealing a massive blow to the Mets’
pitching plans for 2025.

Shocking Setback: Montas Shut Down for Months

The soon-to-be 32-year-old pitcher has been diagnosed
with a high-grade lat strain, forcing him to be shut down immediately. Doctors
have advised that he won’t throw for at least six to eight weeks, and after
that, he’ll need time to rebuild strength and ramp up his pitching form.

That means the Mets will likely be without Montas
until deep into May—if not longer. The injury couldn’t have come at a worse
time, as the team was hoping for a dominant rotation to carry them through the
early months of the season.

How Did This Happen? The First Signs of Trouble

Montas first felt discomfort during his very first
side session of spring training last week. What seemed like minor soreness
quickly turned into devastating news after further medical evaluation.

To accelerate the recovery process, Montas will
receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, but even with the latest
medical advancements, there’s no guarantee of a speedy return.

A Troubling Injury History

If this sounds all too familiar, it’s because Montas
has struggled with injuries for years.

– In
2023, he pitched just ONE game due to ongoing shoulder issues.
– In 2022, he
managed only 19 starts before undergoing shoulder surgery.
– Now, in 2025,
he’s already facing a months-long absence.

The Mets knew they were taking a calculated risk by
bringing him in, but this latest setback has fans questioning whether it was
worth the $34 million gamble.

Can the Mets Survive Without Montas?

With Montas out, the Mets are now scrambling to keep
their rotation intact. The team had big plans for a six-man rotation in 2025,
bringing in:

– Sean
Manaea (returning to the Mets for another run)
– Clay Holmes (former
closer, now set for a bigger role)
– Griffin Canning (added
for depth in the offseason)

But without Montas, will the rotation hold up under
pressure?

What’s Next for Montas?

The best-case scenario sees Montas returning in late
May or early June, but given his injury history, the Mets will likely take a cautious
approach.

In the meantime, the team will need to adjust its
rotation plans on the fly, while fans can only hope that this isn’t the
beginning of yet another injury-plagued season for Montas.

Will this setback derail
the Mets’ season before it even starts? Stay tuned—this story is far from over!