Reds Sign Montas

[*ochocincos*]

Looks like Montas is (likely) the final piece to the roster.

Reds added Candelario for an additional bat/position player, and they arguably only needed 1.
Check.

Reds added two guys to bolster the bullpen, neither of which needed to be a closer. Check.

The only thing they were missing was another rotation guy, and Montas is expected to be that.
Barring an injury, Greene, Ashcraft, and Abbott were all guaranteed to be big pieces of the rotation.
Williamson, Lodolo, and Phillips were going to compete for the final two spots, but I think we all wanted an upgrade to at least SP3/4 and realistically let these other guys all compete for SP5.

While Montas only pitched in one game in 2023, he had a pretty solid 2021 and part of 2022 with the Oakland A's.
If Montas can be in CIN what he was in OAK, it's a good 1-year rental.
If he's more like he has been with the Yankees, he's an overpriced guy who may also not stay healthy.

I get the likes of Sonny Gray are coming at $20+ mill a year, but man, $15-17 mill for Montas feels too high for the risk.