Mets DFA Montas to Protect Prospect Morabito

The New York Mets designated veteran pitcher Frankie Montas for assignment on Tuesday, paving the way for his unconditional release after a disappointing and injury-plagued tenure with the team. The move, which clears a spot on the 40-man roster ahead of Major League Baseball's Rule 5 Draft protection deadline, allows the Mets to add promising outfield prospect Nick Morabito to the roster.

Montas, a 32-year-old right-hander, joined the Mets last December on a two-year, $34 million contract that included a $17 million player option for 2026. He exercised that option following elbow surgery, meaning the Mets remain obligated to pay him the full amount despite his departure. Montas appeared in just nine games for New York in 2025, posting a 3-2 record with a 6.28 earned-run average over 38 2/3 innings, including seven starts. His season began with a high-grade right lat strain during spring training, which sidelined him until his debut on June 24. After struggling in the rotation, he was shifted to the bullpen in late July, where he made two relief outings before an ulnar collateral ligament injury in his right elbow ended his year. He underwent Tommy John surgery in September,...