Milwaukee Brewers Set to Acquire Frankie Montas from Cincinnati Reds
The Milwaukee Brewers are on the verge of making another significant pitching addition to their roster. According to league sources, the Brewers are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. In exchange, Milwaukee will send promising outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati.
While neither team has officially confirmed the deal, the information indicates that the trade is imminent. Montas, a seasoned pitcher at 31, is currently on a one-year, $16 million contract. This season, he has made 19 starts, compiling a 5.01 ERA over 93 1/3 innings. However, he has struggled in his recent outings, posting a 6.41 ERA and allowing a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight starts, averaging fewer than five innings per game during this stretch.
Brewers Strengthening Their Pitching Arsenal
This potential acquisition underscores the Brewers' commitment to bolstering their pitching staff as they eye a deep postseason run. Earlier this month, Milwaukee successfully brought in Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays, further solidifying their rotation. Additionally, the team added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies.
With a 60-45 record, the Brewers maintain a formidable six-game lead in the NL Central. The strategic addition of Montas, despite his recent struggles, is likely aimed at adding depth and experience to their rotation as they advance through the season.
Youth Movement in Cincinnati
For the Cincinnati Reds, this trade represents a focus on younger talent and roster flexibility. Joey Wiemer, at 25 years old, has shown promise as an outfielder. As a rookie in 2023, Wiemer slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. Additionally, Wiemer's connection to Cincinnati, being a University of Cincinnati alumnus, adds a local flavor to the acquisition.
Jakob Junis, another key component of the trade, is also on a one-year deal. His addition will provide Cincinnati with an immediate pitching option. With a current record of 51-55 and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, the Reds are evidently open to moving their rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. There's even talk of potentially parting ways with second baseman Jonathan India.
Implications for Both Teams
This trade, if confirmed, will mark a notable shift in both teams' strategies as the regular season progresses. Milwaukee's decision to add Montas, despite his recent performance challenges, highlights their determination to fortify their pitching rotation. For Cincinnati, bringing in younger talent like Wiemer and a serviceable pitcher in Junis aligns with their broader goals of building a competitive roster for the future.
As the details of this trade continue to develop, the MLB community will undoubtedly keep a close watch on its official confirmation and subsequent impact on both teams' performances.