The Milwaukee Brewers have made a significant move to bolster their pitching staff, reportedly acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. Although neither team has confirmed the deal, sources within the league indicate that the trade is imminent.
The Trade Details
In exchange for Montas, the Brewers will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. Wiemer, at 25 years old, has shown potential despite a modest debut season, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs as a rookie in 2023. An alum of the University of Cincinnati, Wiemer adds a local connection to the Reds' roster. Meanwhile, Junis, who is also working on a one-year deal, will provide additional depth to Cincinnati’s pitching situation.
Frankie Montas: A Mixed Bag
Montas, currently on a one-year, $16 million contract, brings experience but also some recent struggles to Milwaukee. At 31 years old, he has posted a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts this season, totaling 93 1/3 innings. His performance has dipped notably in his last eight starts, where he recorded a 6.41 ERA and allowed a .866 opponent's OPS. During this stretch, Montas has averaged fewer than five innings per outing, raising questions about his durability down the stretch.
Brewers' Recent Activity
This trade marks the latest in a series of moves by the Brewers to strengthen their roster for a playoff push. Earlier this month, the team acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays. Additionally, they added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These transactions reflect a clear strategy by Milwaukee to solidify their pitching, a cornerstone as they maintain a six-game lead in the NL Central with a 60-45 record.
Cincinnati's Approach
On the other side, the Cincinnati Reds appear to be leveraging their assets ahead of the trade deadline. With a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, the Reds are open to moving their rental players. This includes relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and there's also buzz about potentially trading second baseman Jonathan India.
The trade of Montas indicates Cincinnati’s intent to retool and prepare for the future. By acquiring young talent like Wiemer and bolstering their pitching with Junis, the Reds are positioning themselves for long-term growth while possibly remaining competitive in the short term.
A Closer Look at the Players Involved
Montas's tenure in Milwaukee will be closely watched. His veteran presence and experience could be crucial in high-stakes situations, despite his recent struggles. If Montas can regain his earlier form, he could be a significant asset for the Brewers as they aim for a deep postseason run.
Joey Wiemer, a promising young outfielder, has shown glimpses of his potential. His power at the plate and familiarity with Cincinnati could make him a fan favorite quickly. Meanwhile, Jakob Junis offers the Reds a versatile arm, potentially valuable in various roles as the team continues to find its footing this season.
The Big Picture
This trade underscores the dynamic nature of MLB's trade deadline, where teams must balance immediate needs with long-term strategies. For the Brewers, acquiring Montas is a calculated risk, hoping that he can provide stability and experience to their rotation. For the Reds, the trade provides an opportunity to add young talent and build towards a more competitive future.
As the dust settles and the official announcements are made, the impact of this trade will become clearer. Both teams, with their respective strategies, hope to emerge stronger and better positioned for the challenges ahead.