The Milwaukee Brewers are embarking on their offseason journey with a noticeable roster shakeup.<\/p>\n
Key moves included giving Willy Adames the qualifying offer, paving the way for his free agency, and choosing not to pick up Wade Miley\u2019s option.<\/p>\n
A pivotal decision on their docket concerned Frankie Montas\u2019 mutual option for 2025.<\/p>\n
At first glance, leaving this on the table appeared to be a no-brainer, given Montas\u2019 post-trade performance\u2014a 4.55 ERA over 11 starts replete with control issues and susceptibility to hard hits.<\/p>\n
Given the hefty $20 million price tag, most anticipated the Brewers would opt out on their end.<\/p>\n
But surprisingly, Montas beat them to the punch by declining his side of the deal, effectively rendering the decision irrelevant and simultaneously opening up a host of intriguing questions regarding his choice.<\/p>\n
Milwaukee\u2019s brass likely breathed a sigh of relief with Montas clearing his own path.<\/p>\n
The Brewers\u2019 financial prudence has been evident this offseason, opting out of deals for more accomplished players with lesser financial commitments.<\/p>\n
The notion of willingly shelling out $20 million for Montas seemed unlikely from the start.<\/p>\n
Delving into Montas\u2019 rationale, several theories emerge.<\/p>\n
Despite his performance being emblematic of a player shaking off the remnants of shoulder surgery throughout most of 2024, his strikeout rate saw a significant uptick after relocating to Milwaukee, particularly in September following some mechanical tweaks.<\/p>\n
Montas might be betting on his resurgence attracting interest from other teams, perhaps eyeing a multi-year contract offering greater security and overall financial stability.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, he might have wanted to control the narrative, choosing to opt-out rather than waiting to be released.<\/p>\n
Montas\u2019 path forward remains uncertain. The troubling .637 slugging percentage hitters managed off his cutter paints a daunting picture.<\/p>\n
While it\u2019s a stretch to imagine Montas securing more than the present value he turned down for the 2025 season alone, the perpetual demand for pitching talent might see him land a multi-year deal.<\/p>\n
Such a contract could provide overall security and a higher cumulative payout, even if the single-season figure falls short of $20 million.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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