The New York Mets are in danger of letting this season slip away, six games behind Philadelphia in the NL East and just two games clear of the final Wild Card spot with six weeks left. Frankie Montas’ arrival has been rocky from the start, and a lat strain kept him off the mound until June. Now the plan is to move him to the bullpen, with Mendoza signaling a side session and a possible Triple-A call-up to patch the rotation on short notice. Fantasy players should weigh the risk of Montas’ long-term role versus any potential upside in short bursts.
Montas has a long track record of swings in effectiveness. Once a mid-3.00s ERA pitcher with a strong 2019-2021 stretch for Oakland, his numbers cratered after he was dealt to New York and then sidelined by shoulder issues. The Mets are paying $17 million next year if he exercises the option, but his current form doesn’t scream trusted fantasy option. The Mets’ immediate next hurdle is a three-game set with Spencer Strider and the Braves at Citi Field, a test that will reveal whether Montas is worth resting rosters for, or cutting loose until he proves he belongs in the bullpen pie.
Beyond Montas, the Mets’ schedule continues with the Mariners, Nationals, and Braves again, a brutal stretch that will challenge managers’ decision-making as rotations shuffle and bullpen roles solidify. The team’s decision to lean on a Triple-A call-up on short notice adds a layer of uncertainty for fantasy rosters, particularly when chasing wins or speculative innings.
