4 Yankees regressions that will cost them 2022 World Series

2. Frankie Montas

Maybe we’re not being fair here, but let’s be honest: how much more do you need to see out of Frankie Montas to be convinced he’s not “it”? Initially, when he was acquired, Yankees fans were on board. The rotation was already humming along with Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, Jordan Montgomery, Jameson Taillon and Luis Severino. Adding another capable arm to the mix would allow the Yankees to manage some innings and eventually demote someone to the bullpen.

But then the Yankees transferred Luis Severino to the 60-day IL. Then they traded Jordan Montgomery. By essentially swapping Montas for Monty, the Yankees did almost nothing to actually improve their rotation. They just further thinned it and seemingly were “hoping for the best” down the stretch and into October.

In his first five starts with the team, Montas has a 7.01 ERA, 5.39 FIP, 1.52 WHIP and just 20 strikeouts in 25.2 innings. He’s a sloth on the mound. He’s beyond predictable. He doesn’t attack hitters. He couldn’t even go six full innings in his two “good” starts, which were both nearly upended at various times because of the traffic he put on the bases (combined for 11 hits and three walks in those 10.2 innings).

Before his arrival, he had a 3.18 ERA, 3.36 FIP and 1.14 WHIP with 109 strikeouts in 19 starts (104.2 innings with the A’s). Last year, he went 13-9 with a 3.37 ERA, 3.37 FIP, 1.18 WHIP and 207 strikeouts in 32 starts (187 innings). Perhaps the Yankees failed to see the flaw in his game.

At the Oakland Coliseum, the right-hander owns a 3.28 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 319 strikeouts in 60 games (47 starts), totaling 293.2 innings. Away from the Coliseum? 4.52 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 257 strikeouts in 60 games (46 starts), totaling 263 innings.

So, maybe not a regression at all. Maybe just once again bad judgement by the front office. Good luck watching Montas get through four innings in a playoff game.