The Milwaukee Brewers are on the cusp of making a significant roster move, set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. According to sources within the league, the trade is imminent, although neither team has officially confirmed the deal yet. In return, the Brewers will be sending outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis to Cincinnati as part of the exchange.
The Trade Details
Frankie Montas, 31, will bring experience and depth to the Brewers' pitching rotation. This season, Montas has struggled somewhat, posting a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, accumulating 93 1/3 innings. Despite these less-than-stellar numbers, Montas remains a valuable asset with the potential to fortify Milwaukee's rotation, especially as they push towards the postseason. Montas is currently on a one-year, $16 million contract.
Recently, Montas has faced challenges, showing a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS across his last eight starts. During this period, he has averaged fewer than five innings per outing, which could be a point of concern for the Brewers. However, the Milwaukee front office appears to believe in his ability to bounce back.
For the Reds, acquiring Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis marks a clear move toward the future. Wiemer, a 25-year-old outfielder, delivered a modest rookie season in 2023, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. An alum of the University of Cincinnati, Wiemer's return to Ohio might provide a welcome change of environment conducive to his growth as a player.
Jakob Junis, also on a one-year deal, offers the Reds versatility in their pitching staff. Cincinnati, sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot with a 51-55 record, seems to be eyeing opportunities to revamp their roster in preparation for future seasons.
Brewers' Previous Moves
This trade comes on the heels of the Brewers' recent acquisition of Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this month, along with adding right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor deal with the Colorado Rockies. Milwaukee, currently leading the NL Central with a 60-45 record and holding a six-game lead, appears to be bolstering its roster for a strong postseason push.
Strategic Implications for the Reds
For Cincinnati, the trade aligns with their current strategy of moving rental players. The Reds have made it known that they are open to trading several players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. There's also speculation about the potential movement of second baseman Jonathan India.
With the Reds’ focus on reshaping their lineup, the addition of Wiemer and Junis can bring fresh energy and talent to the team. As Cincinnati sits in a challenging position in the standings, these moves indicate a proactive approach to improving their long-term prospects.
Future Outlook
While this trade has yet to be officially confirmed, it appears to be a strategic move for both teams. The Brewers, keen on solidifying their lead in the NL Central, gain a seasoned pitcher in Montas who, despite recent struggles, has the pedigree to be a game-changer. On the other hand, the Reds acquire promising talents in Wiemer and Junis, aiming to reconstruct a more competitive roster.
As the trade deadline approaches, both Milwaukee and Cincinnati will be teams to watch. The Brewers' aggressive moves signal their commitment to making a deep postseason run, while the Reds' transactions reflect a forward-looking strategy aimed at future success.
This developing story highlights the ever-evolving nature of Major League Baseball, where strategic trades can reshape the fortunes of a franchise, setting the stage for exciting games ahead.