Frankie Montas

Frankie Montas
Montas with the Oakland Athletics in 2019
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1993-03-21) March 21, 1993 (age 31)
Sainagua, San Cristóbal Province, Dominican Republic
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
September 2, 2015, for the Chicago White Sox
MLB statistics
(through August 31, 2024)
Win–loss record43–44
Earned run average4.04
Strikeouts722
Teams

Francellis Montas Luna (born March 21, 1993) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers.

Montas signed as an international free agent with the Boston Red Sox in 2009, and was traded to the White Sox in 2013. He made his MLB debut in 2015, and was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers after the season. After missing time due to injuries, the Dodgers traded Montas to the Athletics during the season. Montas established himself as a major league pitcher for Oakland in 2017, and was traded to the Yankees in 2022.

Career

[edit]

Boston Red Sox (2009–2013)

[edit]

Montas signed as an amateur free agent with the Boston Red Sox in 2009, receiving a $75,000 signing bonus.[1] He played in the minor leagues for the Red Sox' organization for the Gulf Coast Red Sox and Lowell Spinners in 2012,[2] and for the Greenville Drive in 2013.[3]

Chicago White Sox (2013–2015)

[edit]

Before the 2013 trade deadline, the Red Sox traded Montas and fellow minor leaguers J. B. Wendelken and Cleuluis Rondon to the Chicago White Sox in a three-team trade, where Jake Peavy went from the White Sox to the Red Sox, José Iglesias went from the Red Sox to the Detroit Tigers, Avisaíl García went from the Tigers to the White Sox, and Brayan Villarreal went from the Tigers to the Red Sox.[4] The White Sox assigned Montas to the Kannapolis Intimidators, also in the South Atlantic League.[5]

Montas began the 2014 season with the Winston-Salem Dash of the Class A-Advanced Carolina League. He was named to appear in the 2014 All-Star Futures Game,[6] but suffered an injury to the meniscus in his knee which required surgery, and withdrew from the game.[7][8] After rehabilitating, Montas pitched for the Birmingham Barons of the Class AA Southern League.[9] He finished the 2014 season with a combined 5–0 win–loss record and a 1.44 earned run average.[10][11]

The White Sox assigned Montas to the Arizona Fall League after the 2014 season.[1] On November 20, 2014, the White Sox added Montas to their 40-man roster.[12] In his first major league spring training, Montas threw his fastball between 98 and 100 miles per hour (158 and 161 km/h).[13] He returned to Birmingham for the 2015 season, and threw a seven-inning no hitter on June 9.[14][15] He appeared in the Southern League All-Star Game[16] and the All-Star Futures Game.[17] The White Sox promoted Montas to the major leagues on July 17, 2015, to be their 26th man during that day's doubleheader.[18] He returned to Birmingham the next day without appearing in either game.[19] The White Sox promoted Montas again on September 1, and he made his major league debut as a relief pitcher the next day.[20]

Los Angeles Dodgers (2016)

[edit]

On December 16, 2015, Montas, along with Micah Johnson and Trayce Thompson, were traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a three team trade that sent Todd Frazier to the White Sox and José Peraza, Brandon Dixon and Scott Schebler to the Cincinnati Reds.[21] On February 12, 2016, the Dodgers announced that Montas underwent rib resection surgery and would miss up to four months of the season.[22] He made his first appearance of 2016 with the Tulsa Drillers of the Class AA Texas League on May 22.[23] After a couple of rehab appearances for the Drillers, he was assigned to the AAA Oklahoma City Dodgers. He aggravated his rib injury and further testing concluded he had a broken rib and he would miss a month or two of the season recovering.[24]

Oakland Athletics (2016–2022)

[edit]

On August 1, 2016, the Dodgers traded Montas, Jharel Cotton, and Grant Holmes to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Josh Reddick and Rich Hill.[25] After not getting a call to the majors in 2016, he appeared in 23 games for the A's in 2017, allowing 25 runs in 32 innings (7.03 ERA), while compiling a 1–1 record. For the 2018 season, Montas reverted to being a starter, beginning the season at the AAA level. He appeared in 13 games (11 starts) with the A's during the season, compiling a 5–4 record with a 3.88 ERA.

On June 21, 2019, after starting the season 9–2 with a 2.70 ERA in 15 games (all starts), Montas was suspended 80 games without pay for testing positive for a banned substance, ostarine,[26] in violation of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.[27] In 2020, Montas began the season as the A's Opening day starter. Through the season, Montas struggled with command as he recorded a win–loss record of 3-5 and an ERA of 5.60 in 11 starts.

On February 19, 2021, Montas was placed on the COVID-19 related injury list after testing positive for the virus.[28] He finished the 2021 season with a 13–9 record, a 3.37 ERA and 207 strikeouts in 187 innings, finishing sixth in American League Cy Young Award voting.

On March 22, 2022, Montas signed a $5.025 million contract with the A's, avoiding salary arbitration.[29]

New York Yankees (2022–2023)

[edit]

On August 1, 2022, the Athletics traded Montas and Lou Trivino to the New York Yankees for JP Sears, Ken Waldichuk, Luis Medina, and Cooper Bowman.[30] He made his first start with the Yankees on August 7, allowing 6 runs in 3 innings.

On January 14, 2023, it was announced that Montas would likely miss the first month of the season with right shoulder inflammation.[31] On February 15, it was announced that Montas would require arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder and would miss the majority of the 2023 season.[32] He was activated from the injured list on September 30.[33] He became a free agent following the season.

Cincinnati Reds (2024)

[edit]

On January 2, 2024, Montas signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds that also included a $20 million mutual option for 2025.[34] Reds' manager David Bell announced that he would start for the Reds on Opening Day.[35] For the Reds, Montas had a 4-8 record with a 5.01 ERA across 19 games started.[36]

Milwaukee Brewers (2024–present)

[edit]

On July 30, 2024, the Reds traded Montas to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Jakob Junis, Joey Wiemer, and cash considerations.[37] On November 4, Montas declined his option for 2025 becoming a free agent.[38]

Personal life

[edit]

Montas and his wife, Nicholette, have two children.[39] He graduated from Dawere International High School in 2024 [40]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Buxton, Montas intriguing AFL prospects on the mend". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  2. ^ "Spinners stumbling toward the finish". Lowell Sun. September 4, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  3. ^ "Greenville Drive players involved in Jake Peavy trade". Goupstate.com. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  4. ^ "Sox land Peavy in three-team deal; Iglesias to Tigers". MLB.com. July 31, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  5. ^ Feldman, Josh (August 8, 2013). "'Birds spoil Montas' White Sox debut". MiLB.com. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  6. ^ "Johnson, Montas named to Futures Game rosters". Chicago White Sox. Archived from the original on October 9, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  7. ^ "White Sox prospect Montas to have knee surgery, miss Futures Game". CSN Chicago. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  8. ^ "White Sox prospect Francellis Montas scratched from Futures Game - ESPN Chicago". ESPN.com. July 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  9. ^ "Barons skewer Fish in 6-3 win". AL.com. August 31, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  10. ^ "Levine: Frankie Montas Hitting 100 On Radar Gun". cbslocal.com. March 9, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
  11. ^ "Francellis Montas: The prospect from Peavy trade could be a steal for White Sox". CSN Chicago. Archived from the original on December 30, 2014. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
  12. ^ "White Sox Make 7 Minor Roster Moves". cbslocal.com. November 20, 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2014.
  13. ^ Kane, Colleen (March 4, 2015). "White Sox pitcher Frank Montas welcomes opportunity in first big league camp". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
  14. ^ "Chicago White Sox draft: Frankie Montas throws no hitter - MLB - SI.com". SI.com. June 9, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
  15. ^ "Birmingham Barons' Frankie Montas fires no-hitter vs. Tennessee Smokies". AL.com. June 10, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
  16. ^ "Four Barons elected Southern League All-Stars". AL.com. June 9, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
  17. ^ "Frankie Montas earns Futures Game spot". ESPN.com. June 25, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  18. ^ Estwick, Gary (July 15, 2015). "Barons RHP Frankie Montas called up by Chicago White Sox for Friday doubleheader". AL.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  19. ^ "Chicago White Sox right-hander Frankie Montas dazzles with Birmingham Barons after one-day callup - MiLB.com News - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  20. ^ Kane, Colleen (September 2, 2015). "Frankie Montas ready to serve White Sox — as a starter or reliever". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 4, 2015.
  21. ^ Simon, Andrew (December 16, 2015). "White Sox acquire Frazier in 3-team deal". mlb.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2017. Retrieved December 16, 2015.
  22. ^ Gurnick, Ken (February 12, 2016). "Montas may miss 4 months after rib surgery". mlb.com. Archived from the original on February 14, 2016. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  23. ^ "Dodgers Prospects: Frankie Montas Starts and Cody Bellinger Finishes as Tulsa Drillers Shine". May 22, 2016.
  24. ^ Stephen, Eric (June 24, 2016). "Frankie Montas reportedly out 4-8 weeks with broken rib". SB Nation. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  25. ^ Gurnick, Ken (August 1, 2016). "Dodgers acquire Reddick, Hill from A's". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
  26. ^ "Oakland A's starter Frankie Montas hit with 80-game PED suspension". USA Today. June 21, 2019. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  27. ^ Byrne, Connor (June 21, 2019). "Frankie Montas Gets 80-Game PED Suspension". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  28. ^ "Athletics Re-Sign Yusmeiro Petit". February 19, 2021.
  29. ^ Franco, Anthony (March 22, 2022). "A's Avoid Arbitration With Montas, Manaea". MLBTradeRumors. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  30. ^ Hoch, Bryan. "Yanks get Montas, Trivino from A's for 4 prospects". MLB.com.
  31. ^ "Montas could miss first month of season (report)". mlb.com. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  32. ^ "Yankees lose Frankie Montas to shoulder surgery, 'best case' would be return near end of season". cbssports.com. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  33. ^ "Yankees' Frankie Montas: Activated from IL". cbssports.com. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  34. ^ "Reds add more pitching in deal with Montas". MLB.com.
  35. ^ "How Reds' Opening Day starter Frankie Montas got himself ready to lead a rotation". The Enquirer.
  36. ^ "Who is Frankie Montas? Get to know the newest Milwaukee Brewers pitcher".
  37. ^ "Brewers make a trade with the Reds for starting pitcher Frankie Montas".
  38. ^ "Brewers' Frankie Montas, Colin Rea headed to free agency". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  39. ^ Group, Shayna Rubin | Bay Area News (August 22, 2021). "Bay Bridge Series: Frankie Montas tosses a gem, but A's lose to Giants on another late home run". {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  40. ^ Rosecrans, C. Trent. "'Pomp and circumstance' replaces 'Take me out to the ballgame' as Reds prospects graduate". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
[edit]
Awards and achievements
Preceded by American League Pitcher of the Month
September 2021
Succeeded by