Who is Frankie Montas? Frankie Montas, born Francelis Montas Luna on March 21, 1993, in the Dominican Republic, is a professional baseball pitcher known for his powerful fastball and resilience on the mound. From signing with the Boston Red Sox as an international free agent in 2009 to becoming a key player for teams like the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees, Montas's journey is a testament to hard work and perseverance. Despite facing challenges like injuries and a suspension, he has consistently bounced back, showcasing his talent and determination. As of January 2024, Montas continues his career with the Cincinnati Reds, inspiring young athletes worldwide.
Key Takeaways:
- Frankie Montas, a Dominican Republic native, overcame challenges to become a successful MLB pitcher. His journey from the minor leagues to the majors is an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication.
- Known for his powerful fastball and various pitches, Frankie Montas has made significant contributions to multiple MLB teams. Despite setbacks, he continues to evolve and excel in his baseball career.
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.
- Frankie Montas was born on March 21, 1993, in Sainagua, San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.
- He attended Colegio Creciendo, a high school in San Cristobal, where he honed his baseball skills.
- In 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.
- He played for the Gulf Coast Red Sox and Lowell Spinners in 2012.
- In 2013, Montas pitched for the Greenville Drive, showcasing his potential.
- Montas was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 2013, marking a significant step in his career.
- He was assigned to the Arizona Fall League after the 2014 season.
- On 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.
- Montas made his MLB debut on September 2, 2015, as a relief pitcher for the White Sox.
- He was promoted again on September 1, 2015, and made his major league debut the following day.
- On December 16, 2015, Montas was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-team trade.
- Montas underwent rib resection surgery in February 2016, missing up to four months of the season.
- He 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.
- On June 21, 2019, Montas was suspended 80 games without pay for testing positive for ostarine, a banned substance.
- After 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.
- He established himself as a major league pitcher for Oakland in 2017.
- Montas began the 2020 season as the Athletics' Opening Day starter.
- Despite struggling with command, he recorded a win-loss record of 3-5 and an ERA of 5.60 in 11 starts in 2020.
- On February 19, 2021, Montas was placed on the COVID-19 related injury list after testing positive for the virus.
- He 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.
- On March 22, 2022, Montas signed a $5.025 million contract with the Athletics, avoiding salary arbitration.
- In 2022, Montas was traded to the New York Yankees, where he made significant contributions to the team.
- Montas faced injury issues with the Yankees, including a right shoulder surgery recovery.
- He 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.
- Montas 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.
- On November 2, 2023, Montas elected free agency.
- He 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.
- Frankie Montas stands at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighs 255 pounds (115 kg).
- He bats and throws right-handed, which is typical for a right-handed pitcher.
- Montas is known for his fastball, which he can throw between 98 and 100 miles per hour (158 and 161 km/h).
- He 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.
- During his minor league career, Montas received several awards, including being named the CAR Pitcher of the Week on May 26, 2014.
- He was selected for the Futures Game in 2014 and 2015.
- In the minor leagues, Montas compiled a record of 20 wins and 32 losses with an ERA of 3.99 over 502.2 innings pitched.
- In the major leagues, Montas has a record of 44 wins and 46 losses with an ERA of 4.09 over 744.1 innings pitched.
- As of the 2023 season, Montas has appeared in 130 games, recording a win-loss record of 37-35 with an ERA of 3.90.
- Montas achieved several career milestones, including starting his first game in the major leagues in 2017.
- His career highs include a 9-2 record with a 2.70 ERA in 15 games (all starts) with the Oakland Athletics in 2019.
- Montas has been recognized for his performance, including being named the AL Player of the Week on August 9, 2020.
- Despite 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.