Struggling MLB team, the Mets, move right-hander Frankie Montas to the bullpen and ponder the possibility of recruiting a prospect.
Mets Seek Reliable Long Reliever as Montas Struggles and Injuries Mount
The New York Mets are facing a challenging period in their 2025 season, with key players struggling and injuries adding to their woes. One of the most notable issues is the absence of a reliable long man in the bullpen, a void left by the injury of Paul Blackburn.
Frankie Montas, a 32-year-old right-hander, has been moved to the bullpen in an attempt to revive his form. Montas struggled significantly as a starter for the Mets this season, posting a 3–1 record but a high 5.46 ERA over six starts. His struggles worsened to a 6.38–6.68 ERA in eight outings, with notable command issues and multiple home runs allowed.
After a particularly rough outing on August 4, where he allowed seven earned runs in four innings, questions arose about his place in the rotation. Montas himself acknowledged difficulties in pitch execution and expressed a willingness to adapt to a bullpen role if it helps the team. The Mets officially moved him to the bullpen in mid-August, where he is expected to function primarily as a long reliever, capable of pitching multiple innings.
The team's lack of confidence in Montas' ability to regain consistent success as a starter for the remainder of the season is reflected in their decision. Analysis and commentary suggest the Mets are unlikely to consider returning Montas to a starting role anytime soon. Instead, if he can establish himself as a reliable multi-inning reliever, that would redeem his 2025 season to some degree.
The team views his contract and performance as a poor fit for the rotation, and given his struggles against top-of-the-order hitters and early innings, bullpen work is the most practical use of his talents currently.
In an effort to find a solution to their long relief problem, the Mets could promote one of two prospects, Nolan McLean or Brandon Sproat, from Triple-A Syracuse. McLean, a 24-year-old right-hander, has an impressive 8-5 record, a 2.45 ERA, and 127 strikeouts in 113 2/3 innings in 21 games, including 18 starts, this year at Syracuse and Double-A Binghamton. Sproat, another 24-year-old righty, has a 7-5 record, a 4.10 ERA, and 86 strikeouts in 101 innings in 22 starts for Syracuse.
The Mets are currently 22-31 and have lost seven straight games. They trail the NL East-leading Philadelphia team by six games. Manager Carlos Mendoza stated that whoever comes up from the minors, if it's one of the prospects, the plan is to give them a good look in the major leagues.
Paul Blackburn is scheduled to make another minor league rehab appearance on Wednesday, potentially offering a glimmer of hope for the Mets' bullpen depth. However, for now, the team is looking to McLean, Sproat, or another prospect to step up and provide the consistency they need in the long relief role.
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