Mets’ $17 Million Castoff Sends 5-Word Yankees Message

The New York Yankees enter the offseason facing important decisions about their pitching staff, with the bullpen among the areas that could look different in 2027.

New York has often preferred to develop inexpensive relief options rather than commit major money to established relievers, but that approach could be tested as the organization looks for ways to strengthen its roster.

“The Yankees have not paid a reliever at least $10 million a season since 2019, when Zack Britton and Aroldis Chapman signed new deals with the club,” Chris Kirschner noted for The Athletic. “The Yankees have instead opted to find scrapheap arms, turn them into excellent pitchers and then watch them get paid handsomely elsewhere.”

That history could make a familiar name worth watching as the Yankees consider their options, particularly after he sent a surprisingly Yankees focused message via his personal social media account.

New York Mets Disappointment Sends New York Yankees Message Immediately After Season Ends

Former Cy Young Award candidate Frankie Montas has recently been on the outside looking in after a difficult stint with the New York Mets, and his latest Instagram offered a glimpse into his mindset as he works toward the next stage of his career.

Montas shared a photo of himself wearing a Yankees hat, accompanying it with the message “zero excuses and hard work.

The five-word message comes after a frustrating period for the right-hander, whose time with the Mets never developed as hoped. New York signed him to a two-year, $34 million contract before the 2025 season, expecting him to help stabilize its pitching staff. Instead, injuries limited his availability and effectiveness.

“Frankie Montas’ turbulent Mets tenure will end after only nine appearances,” MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo reported last offseason. “The Mets designated Montas for assignment on Tuesday, cutting ties with a player who wasn’t going to be healthy enough to pitch anyway. The move is mostly procedural; Montas underwent Tommy John surgery at the end of the regular season and will miss all of 2026. He subsequently exercised the $17 million player option on his contract.”

New York Yankees Could Reunite With New York Mets Castoff

Montas previously pitched for the Yankees after arriving from the Oakland Athletics at the 2022 trade deadline. His earlier stint with the Yankees was hampered by injuries as well, however, and a return would come with considerable uncertainty.

The right-hander’s rehabilitation is the biggest obstacle to any potential reunion. Tommy John surgery typically requires an extended recovery, meaning Montas would need to demonstrate that he can return to form before becoming a dependable bullpen option.

The Yankees have not announced interest in signing him, and his Instagram post does not establish that discussions are underway. Still, with New York evaluating its pitching depth, Montas is a recognizable name to monitor as he works toward a comeback.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com