The Milwaukee Brewers are making significant moves to bolster their roster as they close in on the postseason. The latest development involves the acquisition of veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds, according to sources within the league. Although neither team has officially confirmed the deal, it appears imminent.
Montas' Recent Performance
Frankie Montas, at 31 years old, brings experience but has faced a challenging season. Currently on a one-year, $16 million contract, Montas has struggled, posting a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts and totaling 93 1/3 innings. In his last eight starts, his performance has further dipped with a 6.41 ERA and an opponent's OPS of .866. During this stretch, Montas has averaged fewer than five innings per outing, raising questions about his consistency and stamina as the season progresses.
The Brewers' Recent Acquisitions
This move follows a series of strategic acquisitions by the Brewers. Earlier this month, the team secured right-hander Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays, and more recently, they added right-handed reliever Nick Mears through a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These moves indicate Milwaukee's aggressive approach to strengthening their pitching staff as they currently hold a 60-45 record and maintain a six-game lead in the NL Central.
The Trade Details
In exchange for Montas, the Brewers are sending outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis to the Cincinnati Reds. Wiemer, a 25-year-old University of Cincinnati alum, made his rookie debut in 2023, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. While these numbers reflect the challenges young players often face adjusting to Major League pitching, he offers potential growth for the Reds, who are looking toward the future with their current 51-55 record, sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot.
Jakob Junis, on a one-year deal, joins the Reds' pitching rotation amidst Cincinnati's openness to move their rental players. This roster flexibility also includes potential trades involving relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and discussions about second baseman Jonathan India.
Impact on the Brewers and Reds
The Brewers' decision to invest in Montas, despite his recent struggles, suggests confidence in his ability to rebound and contribute to their postseason ambitions. With Montas part of their rotation, Milwaukee aims to fortify their starting pitching, hoping his veteran presence will provide stability and experience during critical games.
For the Reds, acquiring Wiemer and Junis aligns with their strategy to develop talent and restructure their roster. Wiemer's youth and familiarity with Cincinnati could foster his growth into a key player for the Reds. Junis offers immediate pitching options, filling gaps and potentially turning into a valuable asset as the Reds navigate the remainder of their season.
This trade exemplifies the dynamic nature of Major League Baseball, where teams must weigh immediate needs against long-term benefits. For Milwaukee, the hope is that Montas can regain his form and help solidify their bid for postseason success. Meanwhile, Cincinnati looks to infuse fresh talent and flexibility into their roster, potentially setting the stage for future success.
As both franchises await official confirmation of the deal, the anticipation within the league mounts. These moves highlight the strategic maneuvers often seen as teams jockey for position in the tightly contested world of professional baseball.