The Mets are cutting ties with Frankie Montas after one ugly season.
They designated the right-hander for assignment on Tuesday, requesting waivers for his unconditional release as he will miss the entire 2026 season following Tommy John surgery. The move clears a 40-man roster spot for outfield prospect Nick Morabito, thereby shielding him from the Rule 5 Draft.
Montas, 32, signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Mets last offseason and stands as one of president of baseball operations David Stearns’ worst moves to date.
After suffering a lat strain during spring training, Montas didn’t make his Mets debut until June 24 and he proceeded to record a 6.68 ERA in seven starts, a performance that got him demoted to the bullpen; touted prospect Nolan McLean took Montas’ rotation spot.
The Mets released Frankie Montas on Tuesday. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Montas, who told The Post’s Zach Braziller at the time that he was “not happy” about the demotion, made two relief appearances before it was determined he needed elbow surgery.
Montas had a player option for 2026, which was a no-brainer for him to exercise after he underwent surgery.
Moving on from Montas allowed the Mets to protect Morabito, a speedy 22-year-old who hit .273 with six homers, 59 RBIs and 49 steals in 118 games for Double-A Binghamton this year.
Morabito also impressed in the Arizona Fall League, hitting .362 with one homer, eight RBIs and 16 steals in 17 games.
