Brewers Set to Acquire Frankie Montas from the Reds
In a significant move ahead of the trade deadline, the Milwaukee Brewers are on the cusp of acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. According to sources within the league, although no official confirmation has been made by either of the teams, the deal is imminent.
The Brewers, who currently hold a 60-45 record and a six-game lead in the NL Central, are trading outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis to Cincinnati in return for Montas. This move underscores Milwaukee’s intent to bolster their pitching lineup as they push for a strong finish to the season.
Frankie Montas: A Mixed Bag
Montas, 31, is currently on a one-year, $16 million contract and has had an up-and-down season. Over 19 starts, he has posted a 5.01 ERA, covering 93 1/3 innings. His recent performance, however, has raised questions; Montas has struggled 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.
Despite these challenges, the Brewers seem confident that Montas can provide the veteran stability needed for their rotation. The acquisition is part of a broader strategy by the Brewers, who have previously added Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays earlier in the month and right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor deal with the Colorado Rockies.
Joey Wiemer: A Promising Talent on the Move
Heading to Cincinnati is Joey Wiemer, a 25-year-old outfielder who, despite his struggles in his rookie season, has shown potential. Wiemer slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs in 2023. Interestingly, Wiemer is an alum of the University of Cincinnati, which might offer him a unique homecoming of sorts. His addition to the Reds roster could provide the team with much-needed depth in the outfield and a young talent to develop further.
Jakob Junis: Another Piece of the Puzzle
Joining Wiemer in Cincinnati is righty Jakob Junis, who is also on a one-year deal. Junis’s inclusion in the trade indicates the Reds’ openness to adding experienced, yet potentially undervalued, players as they contemplate a rebuild. At present, the Reds have a 51-55 record and are 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, making these trade moves part of a broader strategic recalibration.
Cincinnati’s Broader Trade Strategy
The Reds are clearly positioning themselves for the future, indicated by their willingness to move not just Montas but potentially other rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. There is even talk about the possibility of trading second baseman Jonathan India, which would be a significant shift for the team.
“Cincinnati is open to moving their rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson,” sources note, adding that Jonathan India could also be on the trading block. This proactive approach suggests that Cincinnati’s management is focused on a strategic overhaul with an eye toward future competitiveness.
The Road Ahead
While neither team has made an official statement regarding the trade, the anticipation is palpable. For the Brewers, the acquisition of Montas comes at a crucial juncture as they aim to solidify their playoff prospects and maintain their lead in the NL Central. The hope is that Montas can return to form and provide the stability and performance needed to carry the Brewers through the remainder of the season.
For the Reds, this trade represents another piece in their evolving strategy, balancing immediate performance with long-term potential. The addition of Wiemer and Junis could signal a more dynamic and flexible roster, preparing Cincinnati for future challenges.
As the deadline looms, all eyes will be on Milwaukee and Cincinnati to see how these moves play out on the field. The stakes are high, and the outcomes of these trades will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. It’s clear that both teams are making bold decisions aimed at shaping their destinies for the remainder of this season and beyond.