Brewers Make Bold Move to Acquire Frankie Montas
The Milwaukee Brewers are poised to make a significant addition to their pitching roster by acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. While the agreement has yet to be officially confirmed by either club, sources within the league indicate that the deal is imminent, setting the stage for a notable shift in both teams' lineups.
As part of the trade, the Brewers will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. This exchange underscores Milwaukee's determination to reinforce their pitching strength as they aim to maintain their lead in the NL Central. Currently holding a 60-45 record, the Brewers enjoy a six-game lead in their division, making this move a strategic effort to bolster their postseason ambitions.
Frankie Montas: A Mixed Season
Montas, at 31 years old, brings both experience and current challenges to the Brewers. He is currently on a one-year, $16 million contract and has posted a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts this season, accruing 93 1/3 innings. Although his overall performance this year has been lackluster with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight starts, Milwaukee is betting on his potential to turn things around. Montas has struggled to go deep into games recently, averaging fewer than five innings per outing during this stretch. This acquisition is a gamble that the Brewers hope will pay off as they prepare for the critical part of the season.
Earlier this month, the Brewers also bolstered their pitching staff by acquiring Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and adding right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These moves collectively signify Milwaukee's proactive strategy to fortify their bullpen and starting rotation.
The Reds' Perspective
For Cincinnati, the decision to trade Montas aligns with their broader strategy of moving "rental" players who are on short-term deals. With a 51-55 record, the Reds sit 4.5 games out of a postseason spot. This reality has prompted them to consider trading other players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, with even second baseman Jonathan India being mentioned in trade talks.
Joey Wiemer, 25, who will be heading to Cincinnati, brings a mix of potential and university pride to the Reds. An alum of the University of Cincinnati, Wiemer has shown promise in his rookie season, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. His youthful energy and local connection could provide a much-needed spark for the Reds as they look to rebuild and rethink their roster for future seasons.
Jakob Junis, also on a one-year deal, will accompany Wiemer to Cincinnati. His addition to the Reds' bullpen provides further depth and options for the team as they navigate the remainder of the season.
The trade dynamics encapsulate the different pathways both teams are navigating. The Brewers, eyeing a deep postseason run, are focused on enhancing their immediate roster strength, while the Reds are considering long-term benefits by acquiring younger talents and freeing up payroll space.
Conclusion
As the Brewers await the official announcement, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how Frankie Montas adapts to his new environment and whether he can regain the form that made him a notable pitcher in previous seasons. Likewise, the Reds' faithful will be eager to see how Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis integrate into the team and what future trades might unfold. In the relentless chess game of MLB trades, this deal could prove pivotal for both franchises as they strive to achieve their divergent goals.