The Milwaukee Brewers are on the brink of bolstering their pitching roster by acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. While the deal has yet to receive official confirmation from either team, league sources reveal its finalization is imminent. Both teams are poised for a significant shake-up as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
In exchange for Montas, the Brewers will part ways with outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis. This trade signals Milwaukee's aggressive approach toward strengthening their lineup, following their recent acquisition of Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor deal with the Colorado Rockies.
Frankie Montas' Season So Far
Frankie Montas, at 31 years old, brings a wealth of experience to the Brewers. Currently signed to a one-year, $16 million contract, Montas has had a tumultuous season. Over 19 starts, he has posted a 5.01 ERA across 93 1/3 innings. However, his recent performance has been a cause for concern, with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight outings. During this stretch, he's averaged fewer than five innings per start, indicating a decline in stamina and effectiveness.
The Brewers are undoubtedly hopeful that a change of scenery will help Montas rediscover his form as they aim to solidify their playoff position. With a 60-45 record, Milwaukee holds a six-game lead in the NL Central, and integrating Montas could be pivotal for their ambitions.
Joey Wiemer: A Young Talent on the Move
Heading to Cincinnati in the deal is 25-year-old Joey Wiemer, an outfielder with considerable potential. Wiemer, a University of Cincinnati alum, slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs during his rookie season in 2023. While his batting average leaves room for improvement, his power-hitting ability is evident and could flourish with more consistent playtime and development.
The addition of Wiemer will provide the Reds with a youthful, energetic presence in their outfield as they look to build for the future. With a current record of 51-55 and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, the Reds seem to be shifting focus to future potential rather than immediate contention.
Jakob Junis: A Consistent Contributor
Also included in the trade is Jakob Junis, another right-handed pitcher working on a one-year deal. Junis' addition to Cincinnati aligns with the Reds' broader strategy of exploring trades for their rental players. Notably, the club is open to moving relievers such as Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and discussions about potentially trading second baseman Jonathan India are ongoing.
Cincinnati's Strategic Adjustments
The Reds' willingness to trade Montas, along with other potential moves, indicates a strategic shift. By acquiring players like Wiemer and Junis, Cincinnati is aiming to rejuvenate their roster with younger talent who could play pivotal roles in the upcoming seasons. This anticipatory approach suggests a calculated plan to build a more competitive team in the near future.
Brewers' Playoff Aspirations
For Milwaukee, the acquisition of Montas, despite recent struggles, demonstrates their commitment to fortifying their pitching depth. In the highly competitive NL Central, every upgrade counts, and the Brewers' management is keenly aware of this as they seek to maintain their lead and secure a postseason berth. Should Montas regain his form, he could become a critical asset in their starting rotation.
In conclusion, while the trade awaits official confirmation, it is clear that both the Brewers and the Reds are making strategic moves to align with their respective goals. The Brewers, aiming for immediate success, bolster their pitching lineup, whereas the Reds, eyeing the future, are acquiring promising talent. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how these changes impact both teams as the season progresses.