The New York Yankees may have lost their biggest offseason acquisition before spring training even begins; right-hander Frankie Montas.
Right-hander Frankie Montas, the New York Yankees’ biggest acquisition at last year’s trade deadline and expected to be a big part of their rotation this year, will undergo shoulder surgery Tuesday that could cause him to miss the season, the manager said. said Aaron Boone.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 15, 2023
He was expected to be a big part of the team’s rotation this year. Montas will undergo shoulder surgery that could miss the entire season, manager Aaron Boone announced Wednesday.
Montas will undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery on February 21. The best-case scenario for a return isn’t until late in the 2023 season. The 29-year-old was already known to be behind schedule heading into spring training. This is due to inflammation in his right shoulder that slowed his progression in the off-season.
Montas, who turns 30 in March, went 5-12 with a 4.05 ERA in 27 starts for the A’s and Yankees last season. The Dominican Republic native was acquired from the Oakland Athletics along with reliever Lou Triviño last summer in a deadline-date deal. The A’s have prospects Ken Waldichuk, JP Sears, Luis Medina and Cooper Bowman in Oakland.
Montas had been excellent before the trade, pitching with a 3.30 ERA in 291 innings since Opening Day 2021. With one of the best teams in MLB, Montas struggled in the pinstripes. He allowed six runs in two of his first three appearances. Montas also allowed four or more runs in eight Yankee starts before landing on the disabled list.
Frankie Montas and the New York Yankees avoided arbitration this offseason. He has a one-year, $7.5 million deal for the 2023 season, and will be a free agent in the offseason. New York’s current rotation projects to include Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Severino and Néstor Cortés. Domingo Germán and Clarke Schmidt are among those fighting for the No. 5 spot.
In a competitive American League East, the New York Yankees appear to be the betting favorites to win the division according to New York sportsbooks. However, losing a pitcher like Frankie Montas could hurt his chances.
