The Milwaukee Brewers are making yet another noteworthy move this season, as they are reportedly on the verge of acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. This impending trade continues Milwaukee’s aggressive strategy in enhancing their roster, following the acquisitions of Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and right-handed reliever Nick Mears from the Colorado Rockies earlier this month.
Trade Details
In exchange for Montas, the Brewers will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. As of now, neither team has officially confirmed the deal, but sources within the league indicate that the trade is imminent. This move, while not yet formalized, signals a significant shift for both teams as they continue to navigate a challenging season.
Background on Frankie Montas
Montas, who is 31 years of age, is currently on a one-year, $16 million contract. Over the course of this season, he has posted a 5.01 ERA across 19 starts, totaling 93 1/3 innings. However, his recent performance has shown signs of struggle, with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight starts. During this period, Montas has averaged fewer than five innings per outing, raising concerns about his current form. Despite these challenges, the Brewers seem confident in his ability to bounce back and provide much-needed depth to their pitching rotation.
Who is Joey Wiemer?
Heading to Cincinnati in this trade is 25-year-old outfielder Joey Wiemer. Wiemer emerged as a promising talent during his rookie season in 2023, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. A University of Cincinnati alum, Wiemer will be returning to familiar territory, which might provide him the comfort necessary to further develop his potential. The Reds, who are currently open to moving their rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, appear to be in a repositioning phase with an eye on future talent.
Jakob Junis and Cincinnati’s Strategy
Jakob Junis, also part of the trade, is on a one-year deal himself. His addition will provide Cincinnati with another arm as they navigate a transitional period. The Reds, who hold a 51-55 record and are sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, seem to be hedging their bets on accumulating young talent and potentially moving additional players like second baseman Jonathan India.
Brewers’ Position in the NL Central
Currently, the Brewers boast a 60-45 record and maintain a six-game lead in the NL Central. Their aggressive moves in the trade market signal a strong commitment to securing their position and making a deep postseason run. The acquisition of Montas, despite his recent struggles, is a calculated risk that the Brewers hope will pay off as they seek to solidify their pitching staff. Montas’s experience and potential for a turnaround could be pivotal as Milwaukee eyes continued success.
As both teams prepare to finalize this deal, the trade underscores the Brewers' determination to bolster their roster for a competitive edge, while the Reds appear to be laying the groundwork for future development. The finalization of this trade will be keenly observed by both fanbases, anxious to see how their respective teams will evolve through these strategic moves.