40 Facts About Frankie Montas

Early Life and Beginnings

Frankie Montas's journey to MLB began in the Dominican Republic. His early life and initial steps into baseball are quite inspiring.

1. 01Frankie Montas was born on March 21, 1993, in Sainagua, San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.
2. 02He attended Colegio Creciendo, a high school in San Cristobal, where he honed his baseball skills.
3. 03In 2009, Montas signed as an international free agent with the Boston Red Sox, receiving a $75,000 signing bonus.

Minor League Career

Montas's time in the minor leagues was crucial for his development as a professional pitcher.

4. 04He played for the Gulf Coast Red Sox and Lowell Spinners in 2012.
5. 05In 2013, Montas pitched for the Greenville Drive, showcasing his potential.
6. 06Montas was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 2013, marking a significant step in his career.
7. 07He was assigned to the Arizona Fall League after the 2014 season.
8. 08On November 20, 2014, Montas was added to the White Sox's 40-man roster.

Major League Debut and Early Career

Montas's debut in MLB was a milestone that marked the beginning of his professional career at the highest level.

9. 09Montas made his MLB debut on September 2, 2015, as a relief pitcher for the White Sox.
10. 10He was promoted again on September 1, 2015, and made his major league debut the following day.
11. 11On December 16, 2015, Montas was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-team trade.
12. 12Montas underwent rib resection surgery in February 2016, missing up to four months of the season.
13. 13He made his first appearance of 2016 with the Tulsa Drillers of the Class AA Texas League on May 22, 2016.

Challenges and Setbacks

Every athlete faces challenges, and Montas's career had its share of setbacks.

14. 14On June 21, 2019, Montas was suspended 80 games without pay for testing positive for ostarine, a banned substance.
15. 15After missing time due to injuries, the Dodgers traded Montas to the Oakland Athletics during the 2016 season.

Career with Oakland Athletics

Montas found a new home with the Oakland Athletics, where he made significant contributions.

16. 16He established himself as a major league pitcher for Oakland in 2017.
17. 17Montas began the 2020 season as the Athletics' Opening Day starter.
18. 18Despite struggling with command, he recorded a win-loss record of 3-5 and an ERA of 5.60 in 11 starts in 2020.
19. 19On February 19, 2021, Montas was placed on the COVID-19 related injury list after testing positive for the virus.
20. 20He 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.

Transition to New York Yankees

Montas's career took another turn when he joined the New York Yankees.

21. 21On March 22, 2022, Montas signed a $5.025 million contract with the Athletics, avoiding salary arbitration.
22. 22In 2022, Montas was traded to the New York Yankees, where he made significant contributions to the team.
23. 23Montas faced injury issues with the Yankees, including a right shoulder surgery recovery.
24. 24He was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to March 27, 2023, and later transferred to the 60-day injured list on April 3, 2023.
25. 25Montas was sent on a rehab assignment to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on September 17, 2023.

Recent Developments

Montas's career continues to evolve with new opportunities and challenges.

26. 26On November 2, 2023, Montas elected free agency.
27. 27He subsequently signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds on January 2, 2024.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

Montas's physical attributes and playing style have played a significant role in his success.

28. 28Frankie Montas stands at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighs 255 pounds (115 kg).
29. 29He bats and throws right-handed, which is typical for a right-handed pitcher.
30. 30Montas is known for his fastball, which he can throw between 98 and 100 miles per hour (158 and 161 km/h).
31. 31He also has a variety of secondary pitches, including a curveball and changeup, which he uses to keep hitters off balance.

Career Achievements and Stats

Montas's career is marked by numerous achievements and impressive statistics.

32. 32During his minor league career, Montas received several awards, including being named the CAR Pitcher of the Week on May 26, 2014.
33. 33He was selected for the Futures Game in 2014 and 2015.
34. 34In the minor leagues, Montas compiled a record of 20 wins and 32 losses with an ERA of 3.99 over 502.2 innings pitched.
35. 35In the major leagues, Montas has a record of 44 wins and 46 losses with an ERA of 4.09 over 744.1 innings pitched.
36. 36As of the 2023 season, Montas has appeared in 130 games, recording a win-loss record of 37-35 with an ERA of 3.90.
37. 37Montas achieved several career milestones, including starting his first game in the major leagues in 2017.
38. 38His career highs include a 9-2 record with a 2.70 ERA in 15 games (all starts) with the Oakland Athletics in 2019.
39. 39Montas has been recognized for his performance, including being named the AL Player of the Week on August 9, 2020.
40. 40Despite facing challenges, Montas has managed to maintain a long and successful career in MLB, playing for four different teams and accumulating over 600 innings pitched.

Frankie Montas: A Journey of Resilience and Talent

Frankie Montas's career showcases a blend of talent, resilience, and hard work. From signing with the Boston Red Sox as an international free agent to becoming a key player for multiple MLB teams, Montas has faced numerous challenges, including injuries and a suspension. Despite these setbacks, he has consistently demonstrated his pitching prowess, earning recognition and respect in the baseball community. His journey from the Dominican Republic to the major leagues serves as an inspiration to many young athletes. Montas's ability to bounce back from adversity and contribute significantly to his teams highlights his dedication to the sport. As he continues his career with the Cincinnati Reds, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this remarkable pitcher. Montas's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence in professional baseball.