Many moons ago, Frankie Montas was supposed to be a difference-maker for the Yankees.
Fresh off a 2021 campaign that saw him receive down-ballot Cy Young votes, New York acquired Montas from Oakland at the 2022 Trade Deadline, only to see their right-hander smoked for a, well, Carlos Rodón-esque 6.35 ERA and .838 OPS against across eight starts. Then as he has so often throughout his career, he went to the IL with a shoulder injury that had been plaguing him even at the time the Yankees acquired him. Montas’ only postseason appearance came in relief during the ALCS sweep at Houston’s hands, and he allowed a homer anyway.