The Milwaukee Brewers appear to be making another significant move in their quest for postseason success. Sources within the league have indicated that the Brewers are on the verge of acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. While neither team has officially confirmed the deal at this time, the trade is said to be imminent.
According to reports, Milwaukee will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis to Cincinnati in exchange for Montas. This potential acquisition follows Milwaukee's earlier trades this month, including adding Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These moves underscore the Brewers' commitment to bolstering their roster for a playoff push.
Montas' Performance and Contract
Frankie Montas, 31, is currently playing on a one-year, $16 million contract. This season, he has posted a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, totaling 93 1/3 innings. However, his recent performance has been less than stellar, with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight starts. Montas has also averaged fewer than five innings per outing during this stretch, which might be a concern for the Brewers as they look to improve their pitching staff.
The Brewers' Position
Despite these concerns, the Brewers seem to believe that Montas can be a valuable asset to their rotation. Currently, Milwaukee holds a 60-45 record and maintains a six-game lead in the NL Central. These standings place the Brewers in a strong position to secure a postseason berth, and reinforcing their pitching roster with an experienced arm like Montas could prove pivotal down the stretch.
Departing Players
On the flip side, the Reds will receive Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis. Wiemer, a 25-year-old outfielder, has shown promise in his rookie season, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs in 2023. A University of Cincinnati alum, Wiemer brings youth and potential to a Reds team that seems open to retooling. His addition could be particularly inspiring, given his local ties.
Jakob Junis, also on a one-year deal, will join Cincinnati's pitching staff. While the details of his performance this season were not disclosed in the current reports, Junis' addition signifies Cincinnati's intent to build depth and explore options as they sit 4.5 games out of a postseason spot with a 51-55 record.
Reds' Trade Strategy
The trade aligns with Cincinnati's strategy of moving their rental players. Reports suggest that the Reds are open to trading not just Montas but also relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. Furthermore, there is speculation about the potential movement of second baseman Jonathan India. With the Reds not entirely out of playoff contention, these moves could be seen as a way to balance their current season ambitions with future planning.
In summary, while neither team has officially confirmed the trade, the impending deal between the Brewers and the Reds reflects the strategic calculations each team is making in an effort to improve their fortunes. For Milwaukee, adding a veteran pitcher like Montas, despite his recent struggles, could solidify their lead in the NL Central. Conversely, Cincinnati acquires a promising outfielder in Wiemer and a capable arm in Junis, while potentially freeing up resources and opportunities for other positional needs.
As the trade deadline approaches, fans will be closely watching for official announcements and further developments. The Brewers are clearly in a win-now mode, and this trade, if finalized, will be a crucial part of their postseason puzzle. The Reds, with an eye toward both immediate contention and long-term building, are making calculated moves that could pay dividends in the seasons to come.