The Milwaukee Brewers are poised to significantly strengthen their pitching rotation with the acquisition of veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. This high-stakes trade sees outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis heading to Cincinnati in return. Although official confirmation from either team remains pending, sources within the league suggest the deal is on the cusp of completion.
Montas's Season in Perspective
At 31 years old, Montas brings a wealth of experience to Milwaukee, but his current form has raised eyebrows. Pitching on a one-year, $16 million contract, Montas has posted a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts this season, spanning 93 1/3 innings. His recent performances, however, are less encouraging; a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS over his last eight starts indicate a troubling trend. Further compounding concerns, Montas has averaged fewer than five innings per outing during this stretch.
Despite his struggles, the Brewers seem willing to bet on Montas's ability to regain his form. Such a move underscores Milwaukee's commitment to fortifying its pitching staff as they look to maintain their competitively advantageous position in the National League.
Brewers' Strategic Moves
This acquisition follows the Brewers' recent pattern of bolstering their roster through trades. Earlier this month, they brought in Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. With a solid 60-45 record and a six-game lead in the NL Central, these trades highlight Milwaukee's strategy to ensure depth and versatility heading into the crucial phases of the season.
Wiemer and Junis: Fresh Faces for Cincinnati
In exchange for Montas, Cincinnati nets two promising players. Joey Wiemer, a 25-year-old outfielder, brings raw potential. As a rookie in 2023, he slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs and is a University of Cincinnati alum, which should endear him to the local fanbase. Jakob Junis, on a one-year deal himself, provides additional pitching depth for the Reds.
Cincinnati's Rebuilding Moves
With a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, the Reds have signaled their willingness to move rental players. Lucas Sims, Justin Wilson, and potentially second baseman Jonathan India are reportedly on the trading block as Cincinnati seeks to retool for the future.
The Reds' openness to move key players indicates a pragmatic approach to their current standing, acknowledging the need to build for long-term success rather than pushing for a fleeting postseason run.
Conclusion
The trade involving Frankie Montas represents a calculated gamble for the Brewers as they bolster their roster for the postseason push. For the Reds, acquiring young and developing talent like Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis fits their broader strategy of rebuilding and future-proofing their team. As the trade deadline approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these and other player moves shape the immediate and long-term fortunes of both franchises.