The Mets are moving on from right-hander Frankie Montas.
According to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, the Mets are releasing Montas after one season with the club.
The move allows them to add outfield prospect Nick Morabito to the 40-man roster, thus protecting him from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Teams have until Tuesday at 6 p.m. to protect players from the Rule 5 draft, which will take place on Dec. 10.
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The veteran Montas, who exercised his $17 million option for the 2026 season, is expected to miss the entire season following elbow surgery.
Montas’ one-year tenure in Queens proved to be disastrous. After signing a two-year, $34 million contract early last offseason, Montas’ season got off to a delayed start following a lat strain at the start of spring training. He finally made his debut in late June, but was largely ineffective when he was able to pitch, posting a 6.28 ERA and 1.603 WHIP in nine appearances, including two out of the bullpen.
Morabito, a second-round pick of the Mets in 2022, spent the entire 2025 season with Double-A Binghamton, posting a .733 OPS with six home runs and 59 RBI. He was also excellent in the Arizona Fall League, slashing .362/.450/.464 with 16 stolen bases in 17 games.
The No. 13 overall prospect in the Mets’ system, Morabito profiles as a center fielder at the major league level.
