New York Yankees pitcher Frankie Montas has faced an uphill battle since joining the organization last year. His journey, marked by injuries and underperformance, has left Yankees fans divided as he nears a potential season debut in the final series.
Mixed reactions surround Frankie Montas’s potential return to the Yankees
Montas’s tenure in the Bronx began on uncertain ground. Acquired through a trade, he arrived with a shoulder injury that limited his playing time during the 2022 season, allowing him to pitch only 39.2 innings. Just before the start of the spring training, he underwent shoulder surgery to address a labrum issue, relegating him to the Injured List (IL) for a significant part of the current season.
Recent developments have seen Montas cleared to pitch and logging innings in the minor leagues. Manager Aaron Boone hinted at Montas’s participation in the upcoming final series of the season.
The decision to put Montas on the mound at this stage may be attributed to his impending free agency. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Yankees front office appears to be using this opportunity as a showcase for Montas to prove his worth to potential suitors in the upcoming free agency market.
However, the reaction from New York Yankees fans has been far from unanimous. Many supporters question the rationale behind giving Montas playing time now, as the team’s playoff hopes have dwindled. They advocate for younger, promising players to take the mound instead.
“Why? He has no future here; let Gomez start,” one fan posted on social media, encapsulating the prevailing sentiment among those skeptical of Montas’s return.
“I’d rather see one of the young guys get another shot,” echoed another fan, reflecting the desire for a shift in focus toward developing fresh talent.
The disappointment surrounding Montas’s tenure with the Yankees is not without reason. During last year’s American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Cleveland Guardians, Montas remained unused. His appearance in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Houston Astros was brief, lasting just one inning before he was pulled.
This season, the Yankees’ struggles with their starting rotation have been evident, prompting some fans to wonder whether Montas could have made a difference. Injuries have plagued the team, with Carlos Rodon and Luis Severino starting their seasons on the IL. Additionally, Domingo German’s placement on the restricted list in early August due to an alleged disturbance in the clubhouse under the influence of alcohol further compounded the team’s challenges.
As the 2023 season draws to a close, Yankees fans find themselves in a state of reflection and anticipation. The disappointment of a season that fell short of expectations has fueled the debate surrounding Frankie Montas’s potential return to the mound. Whether he can seize this opportunity to change the narrative and secure a future with the Yankees remains to be seen. In the meantime, the Yankees’ front office faces the formidable task of rebuilding and assembling a competitive team for the upcoming season.
