Sun Feb 23 20:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Mets Confident in Starting Pitching Depth Despite Montas Injury

**PORT ST. LUCIE, FL** – The New York Mets are not actively seeking additional starting pitching despite Frankie Montas’ season-opening injury, sources within the organization confirmed. Montas, who suffered a high-grade lat strain, is expected to be sidelined until at least mid-May, but the Mets are confident in their pitching depth.

Even with a potential six-man rotation, the team boasts seven experienced Major League starters: Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Griffin Canning, Paul Blackburn, and Tylor Megill. This depth, a key focus of the team’s offseason strategy, allows them to weather the loss of Montas without panic. President of baseball operations David Stearns stated that the team’s pitching depth is significantly improved compared to last year.

While the Mets have engaged in preliminary discussions with other free-agent starters, including Kyle Gibson, Andrew Heaney, and Jose Quintana, they have no intention of making a move at this time. Instead, the team plans to evaluate its current roster, giving players like Blackburn, Canning, and Megill – who are all vying for a spot in the Opening Day roster – a chance to prove themselves. Blackburn, recovering from spinal surgery, and Canning, recently acquired from the Angels, are both considered strong contenders. Megill is also working to improve his arsenal.

The Mets also have a further group of prospects in Justin Hagenman and Brandon Waddell competing for spots, while highly-rated prospects like Brandon Sproat, Blade Tidwell and Dom Hamel will continue their development in the minors.

Montas, who returned to camp this week, provided a more optimistic timeline for his recovery, estimating 4-6 weeks of downtime. His anticipated return in the first half of the season further reinforces the Mets’ decision to avoid external acquisitions for now. Montas himself expressed confidence in his ability to recover fully and contribute later in the season.

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