In a significant roster shakeup, the Milwaukee Brewers are on the verge of acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. This trade, which has not yet been officially confirmed by either team, will reportedly see the Brewers sending outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis to Cincinnati.
Details of the Trade
League sources indicate that this deal is imminent, marking a strategic move by the Brewers as they bolster their pitching staff for the postseason push. Montas, 31, is currently under a one-year, $16 million contract and has had a turbulent season. Over 19 starts, Montas has posted a 5.01 ERA across 93 1/3 innings. His recent performance has been notably concerning, with 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.
Brewers' Recent Acquisitions
This potential acquisition of Montas follows Milwaukee's earlier moves this month, where they added right-handed pitcher Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These additions underscore Milwaukee's determined effort to strengthen their bullpen as they maintain their position atop the NL Central with a 60-45 record, holding a six-game lead in the division.
Outgoing Talent
The Reds, struggling with a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, are open to moving their rental players, which now includes Montas. In return, Cincinnati will acquire 25-year-old Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis, both on one-year deals themselves. Wiemer, a University of Cincinnati alum, has shown promise as a rookie, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs in the 2023 season. Junis, although less prominently discussed, adds depth to the Reds' pitching options.
Reds' Trade Strategy
The Reds' openness to reconfiguring their roster has also sparked discussions about the potential movement of other players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, as well as second baseman Jonathan India. This indicates a broader strategy to rebuild and refocus as they navigate through a challenging season.
Implications for the Brewers
For the Brewers, acquiring Montas represents a blend of risk and opportunity. While his recent struggles may raise eyebrows, his experience and the possibility of a resurgence could provide Milwaukee with a valuable arm as they aim for a deep postseason run. The Brewers' management appears to be betting on Montas rediscovering his form and contributing effectively to their pitching rotation.
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, this move by the Brewers might just be one of several last-minute decisions that could shape the landscape of the playoff race. Both teams hope that this exchange will benefit their respective goals, with Milwaukee eyeing immediate success and Cincinnati planning for future opportunities.
Overall, the impending transaction between the Brewers and the Reds highlights the fluid and dynamic nature of MLB trades, where teams continuously adjust their strategies to adapt to the season's shifting demands and their long-term vision.