Mets-Cardinals Trade Lands Yankees replacement for Frankie Montas

Over the winter, the New York Mets signed former Athletics ace Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million contract with a player option for 2026. Now, they are learning the same lesson as their crosstown rivals. Acquired by the New York Yankees at the 2022 trade deadline, Montas struggled with poor performance and injuries: he didn’t make the Yankees’ postseason roster that year and only pitched 1.1 innings in 2023 before becoming a free agent.

Before the first spring training game of 2025 even started, Montas suffered a lat strain, with an expected recovery time of six to eight weeks. Even with Montas in the rotation, the Mets’ pitching staff had its fair share of uncertainty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With several untested pitchers slated to start, the team was still seeking a reliable middle-of-the-rotation arm; this setback has only intensified that search.

Currently, the Mets are actively looking to make a move. Fortunately for them, the St. Louis Cardinals, who are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, could be willing to trade. The Cardinals are looking to shed salary and have been trying to move Nolan Arenado and other expendable players, including Erick Fedde, who is in the final year of his $7.5 million contract.

Fedde posted a solid 3.30 ERA last season and could help stabilize the Mets’ shaky rotation. The question now is what the Mets might offer the Cardinals in exchange for one year of the reliable arm they hoped Montas would be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The centerpiece of the trade package heading to St. Louis would be Brett Baty. Over the past three years, Baty has had 544 Major League at-bats but has struggled with a .215 batting average and just 15 home runs. However, he was once considered a top-tier prospect, ranking as the Mets’ No. 2 prospect in both 2022 and 2023, and 21st overall in the latter season. His Minor League stats are impressive, showcasing his potential for power. If he can reach his potential, Baty could become a significant slugger for the Cardinals’ infield.

In addition to Baty, Carson Benge would also be included in the trade. Benge is another promising young player with great potential at the plate. Originally a two-way player, the Mets have decided to focus him solely on the outfield.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

His ability to hit for both average and power stood out to scouts during his college days, and he also shows a good eye for the strike zone. In a short stint in Low-A, Benge went 15-for-55 with two home runs, along with 11 walks, leading to an impressive .420 OBP. While Baty is expected to make his Major League debut next season, Benge, at 22 years old, could arrive earlier than expected, with a potential debut in 2026 or 2027.

Since Fedde is only a one-year mid-rotation rental, the Mets wouldn’t be expected to part with any of their top prospects. However, this package, featuring Baty and Benge, would be a solid return for a rebuilding team like the Cardinals in need of fresh talent.

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