Brewers to Acquire Frankie Montas in Swap with Reds
The Milwaukee Brewers are on the verge of bolstering their pitching staff by acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. According to league sources, the trade is imminent, though neither team has yet to make an official announcement.
In this transaction, Milwaukee will part with outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis in exchange for Montas. The move highlights the Brewers' aggressive approach to fortifying their roster for a postseason run, as they already acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this month and added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor deal with the Colorado Rockies.
Montas’s Mixed Season
Frankie Montas, 31, enters this deal carrying a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts this season, pitching a total of 93 1/3 innings. While his current ERA might not immediately impress, closer scrutiny reveals a more troubling trend: over his last eight starts, Montas has posted a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS. Additionally, he has averaged fewer than five innings per outing during this stretch.
Despite these struggles, Montas’s experience and potential to rebound can’t be overlooked. On a one-year, $16 million contract, Montas represents a potential high-reward addition to a team aiming to build on its current successes.
Brewers’ Standings and Strategic Moves
The Brewers, who boast a 60-45 record, currently hold a six-game lead in the fiercely competitive NL Central. This healthy margin likely gave the Milwaukee front office the confidence to part with promising talents in hopes that Montas finds his form just in time for the postseason.
General Manager David Stearns and his team have been thoroughly proactive, first by securing Aaron Civale, who has shown he can be a stabilizing force in the rotation, and then by adding depth with Nick Mears. The Montas trade is the latest in a series of moves intended to maintain their momentum and tighten their grip on the division lead.
Outgoing Talents: Wiemer and Junis
Heading to Cincinnati are Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis. Wiemer, 25, has shown potential despite a tough rookie season in 2023, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. A University of Cincinnati alum, Wiemer’s return to his old stomping grounds may allow him to rejuvenate his career.
Moreover, Jakob Junis, who like Montas is operating on a one-year deal, has emerged as a credible option on the mound. The Reds are undoubtedly looking at him as a viable rotation piece or a solid bullpen arm as they navigate the latter part of their season.
Reds’ Sellers Mode
For the struggling Reds, who find themselves with a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a playoff spot, this trade signals a willingness to shift focus. Cincinnati has shown an openness to moving rental players, which includes relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. There is also speculation about the potential trade of second baseman Jonathan India.
While Montas exits Cincinnati, the arrival of Wiemer and Junis signals a move towards retooling, rather than a full rebuild. It's a strategic move to infuse younger talent into the roster while possibly making more deals before the trade deadline.
Imminent Announcement Expectation
With the league sources indicating the trade's imminent confirmation, both fanbases are left in anticipation. Brewers fans will be eager to see if Montas can reclaim his best form and contribute to a deep playoff run, while Reds fans will look forward to the potential and future contributions of Wiemer and Junis.
This trade reflects a strategic crossroads for both teams, exemplifying the complexities and high-stakes maneuvers typical of MLB's trade season. The days ahead will undoubtedly provide further clarity on how this move impacts both franchises moving forward.