The MLB trade deadline is approaching and Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Frankie Montas is the most coveted arm this summer. As the A’s continue their rebuild and payroll teardown, the ultra-talented righty will almost certainly be on a new team in July.

Montas isn’t on the ace-tier level of pitchers we saw become available last summer. However, the 29-year-old is appealing for other reasons. Under contract through the 2023 season, multiple MLB teams view Montas as a No. 2 starter who can pitch in October and offers long-term upside.

Frankie Montas stats (2022): 3.21 ERA,1.08 WHIP, .222 BAA, 13$ SwStr rate in 89.2 innings

The 6-foot-2 hurler is the only arm left from a once-dominant rotation. Shopped around the league during the winter, it’s only a matter of time before the A’s move their top starter.

With that in mind, let’s examine the best landing spots and what a Frankie Montas trade might cost.

Frankie Montas traded to the New York Mets

We’ve highlighted the fit between Montas and the New York Mets previously. Oakland already made a splashy trade with the Mets in 2022, dealing Chris Bassitt for prospects. With extensive knowledge of the Mets’ farm system and a solid relationship to New York’s front office, the teams could make something happen once again.

New York will still need pitching when Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom return. Look at the history of the Mets’ starters. deGrom, Scherzer, Taijuan Walker and Carlos Carrasco are durability risks. One way to diminish the chances of a major arm injury is by deploying a six-man rotation.