Cincinnati Reds Sign Intriguing Right-Hander to Help Boost Starting Rotation

The Cincinnati Reds have reportedly come to terms with right-hander Frankie Montas, who previously pitched for the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Cincinnati Reds have signed right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas to a contract to help boost the starting rotation.

While the terms are not officially out, Heyman says the deal is expected to be in the $15 or $16 million range.

Montas deal is expected to be in the $15M-$16M range with Reds

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 30, 2023

That's a good sum of money for Montas, who made just one appearance for the New York Yankees last season and after battling injury. He hurt his shoulder at the end of 2022 and missed just about the entire season, coming back the last week for the one appearance of 1.1 innings.

It's an intriguing signing for the Reds, who are clearly hoping that Montas reverts to his pre-injury form. He went 35-30 over six years with the Oakland Athletics, finishing sixth in the American League Cy Young voting in 2019. He went 9-2 that season over 16 starts and also won 13 games in the 2021 season.

Lifetime, he owns a 3.90 ERA.

Montas joins an exciting cast of Reds' potential starters including Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Brandon Williamson, Graham Ashcraft and Nick Martinez. Cincinnati finished third in the National League Central last season at 82-80 and is seeking its first playoff appearance since the COVID 2020 season.

As the Reds build depth in the starting rotation, they are one of the most exciting teams in baseball heading into 2024. They feature some of the youngest and most riveting position players in the sport, including Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand.

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