MILWAUKEE — Much of the Mets fan base might feel differently, but the team’s president of baseball operations said Friday he is “excited” he will get to watch Frankie Montas face the Brewers.
“I know he’s working hard,” David Stearns said. “And I am looking forward to seeing him get some outs.”
Montas, who either will start on Saturday or pitch behind an opener — manager Carlos Mendoza wasn’t ready to announce his plans before Friday’s 3-2 loss to the Brewers — has been the rotation’s weak link. His struggles have prompted calls for the organization to promote a top pitching prospect such as Nolan McLean or Brandon Sproat to receive a shot.
Montas allowed seven earned runs over four innings in his start against the Giants on Sunday and has pitched to a 6.68 ERA in his seven outings this season.
“With Frankie, we’ve probably had a little bit of inconsistency with execution,” Stearns said. “He’s left some pitches up, and even though he throws hard, when he leaves his fastball up or leaves it in the middle, these are really good hitters, and they are going to hit it.”
Stearns said the team’s lack of roster flexibility has played a role in the decision to keep the organization’s young guns in the minors. The Mets realistically have only one pitcher who can be optioned back and forth between the minors and have used that spot to rotate fresh bullpen arms.
“That’s all part of the equation,” Stearns said. “The roster situation is part of the equation and ensuring that we treat their development appropriately is part of the equation. They are doing a great job.”
Stearns, who led the Brewers front office before arriving to the Mets after the 2023 season, was asked how much he appreciated the level at which his former team is playing.
The Brewers have MLB’s best record and were the first team to reach 70 victories.
“I think everyone in baseball is looking at them and recognizing they are having a great season,” Stearns said. “They have put together a really talented team. It’s a really good runs-prevention unit, and offensively, one through nine, they have a complete lineup that can beat you in a variety of different ways. They are clearly a good baserunning team. I admire what they have done.”
Does Stearns take any measure of pride in seeing a team he helped construct succeed?
“No, I am here with the Mets, and that team has turned over a bunch since I have been there,” Stearns said. “I have good relationships with a lot of the folks that are still there. They have done a tremendous job.”
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