Overview
- New York designated Frankie Montas for assignment and requested unconditional release waivers, removing the injured right-hander from the 40-man roster.
- Montas is owed $17 million for 2026 after exercising his player option, though he is expected to miss the season following Sept. 9 Tommy John surgery.
- He logged 38 2/3 innings for the Mets in 2025 with a 6.28 ERA after a spring lat strain, losing his rotation spot before suffering a torn UCL in August.
- The open roster spot was used to select Nick Morabito, a 22-year-old outfielder who hit .273 with 49 steals for Double-A Binghamton and now avoids Rule 5 eligibility.
- The timing reflects offseason roster mechanics because injured players cannot be moved to the 60-day injured list until Opening Day, prompting action before the protection deadline.