The Milwaukee Brewers are making waves in the trade market as they are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. In a complex exchange, Milwaukee will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. While neither team has officially confirmed the deal, sources within the league indicate its imminence.
Frankie Montas: A Right-Handed Gamble
Frankie Montas, a 31-year-old pitcher currently on a one-year, $16 million contract, brings experience but mixed results. Over 19 starts this season, Montas has posted a 5.01 ERA across 93 1/3 innings. His recent performance raises questions, as he has a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight starts, averaging fewer than five innings per outing during this stretch. Despite these challenges, the Brewers see potential value in Montas as they bolster their roster for the playoff push.
A New Home for Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis
Heading to Cincinnati are Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis. Wiemer, a 25-year-old outfielder and University of Cincinnati alum, made his mark as a rookie in 2023, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. Junis, working on a one-year deal, adds another arm to the Reds' bullpen. This move aligns with Cincinnati’s broader strategy, given they are open to moving rental players like relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson and potentially second baseman Jonathan India as they sit 4.5 games out of a postseason spot.
Brewers' Strategic Moves
The Brewers, currently leading the NL Central with a 60-45 record and maintaining a six-game lead, have been active this trading season. Earlier this month, they acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays, adding depth to their pitching rotation. Additionally, they brought in right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies.
These moves highlight the Brewers' commitment to strengthening their roster for a postseason run. By acquiring Montas, they aim to add veteran presence and innings to their rotation, hoping he can return to form as the Cubs look to maintain their lead in the NL Central. Meanwhile, adding Civale and Mears provides additional support and flexibility, crucial for the long haul of late-season games and potential playoffs.
Reds’ Rebuilding Efforts
For the Reds, sitting at a 51-55 record, the decision to trade Montas fits into a broader rebuilding plan. By acquiring younger talent like Wiemer and Junis, Cincinnati ensures they have promising players who can develop and contribute in the coming seasons. This approach aligns with their current stance of moving rental players and potentially making more trades to reshape the roster with a focus on future competitiveness.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how these moves pan out for both teams. For the Brewers, the hope is that Montas can find consistency and bolster their rotation. For the Reds, the aim is to maximize the potential of newly acquired talent and prepare for future seasons. The success of this trade, as with many mid-season deals, will ultimately be judged by how these players perform down the stretch and in the seasons to come.