The New York Yankees are approaching the offseason with significant decisions to make about their pitching roster, especially their bullpen. Historically, the Yankees have been reluctant to spend big money on relief pitchers, avoiding contracts over $10 million annually since 2019 when Zack Britton and Aroldis Chapman were signed. Instead, they have relied on developing lower-cost bullpen arms, a strategy that has involved finding overlooked pitchers, developing them effectively, and eventually losing them to other teams willing to pay higher prices.

Amid these ongoing roster considerations, former Cy Young Award contender Frankie Montas recently sent a notable message to the Yankees through his social media. Montas posted a photo of himself in a Yankees hat accompanied by the phrase “zero excuses and hard work.” This post is striking because Montas is coming off a challenging and injury-plagued stint with the New York Mets, who had signed him to a two-year, $34 million deal before the 2025 season, only to see him make nine appearances before being designated for assignment.

Montas’s Mets tenure ended prematurely due to injuries, culminating in Tommy John surgery that will sideline him for all of 2026. Despite this, Montas exercised a $17 million player option on his contract, indicating his intention to remain part of the league. His earlier career included a stint with the Yankees after being traded from Oakland in mid-2022, highlighting a potential link between him and the team as they assess pitching depth. While the Yankees have not expressed formal interest in re-signing him, his recent post signals his readiness and determination for a comeback that could attract New York’s attention.

Recovery from Tommy John surgery is extensive and uncertain, so Montas faces significant hurdles before returning to form. However, with the Yankees likely to explore various bullpen options this offseason, a familiar pitcher once seen as a top performer could become a candidate worth watching. Montas’s message and his past connection to the team suggest that his comeback journey will be closely monitored by the Yankees and their fans as they look to strengthen their pitching staff for the 2027 season.