The Milwaukee Brewers are poised to make a significant addition to their pitching rotation, as they are on the verge of acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. In return, Milwaukee will part ways with outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis. While neither team has officially confirmed the trade, sources within the league suggest it is imminent.
Montas Strengthens Brewers’ Rotation
Frankie Montas, 31, is currently under a one-year, $16 million contract. Despite a challenging season where he has posted a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, totaling 93 1/3 innings, the Brewers see potential in Montas. However, it's worth noting that Montas has struggled in his last eight starts, recording a 6.41 ERA and allowing opponents a .866 OPS. During this stretch, he has averaged fewer than five innings per outing, a statistic that the Brewers hope to improve under their coaching staff.
The move signals Milwaukee's commitment to bolstering their pitching staff as they eye a deep postseason run. Earlier this month, the Brewers also acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These strategic acquisitions underscore the team's intent to have a robust bullpen and starting rotation as they maintain their lead in the NL Central.
Wiemer and Junis to Reinforce Reds’ Roster
Joey Wiemer, 25, will bring fresh talent to the Reds. A University of Cincinnati alum, Wiemer slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs in his rookie season in 2023. While his performance may not have been stellar, Cincinnati may see potential in his raw talent and hope that a change of scenery will help him develop further.
Jakob Junis, also on a one-year deal, will join Wiemer in Cincinnati. Details on Junis’ recent performance are sparse, yet his addition is likely a strategic move for the Reds, who are currently open to moving their rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. In addition, there is speculation about the potential trading of second baseman Jonathan India as the Reds look to rework their roster amidst a challenging season.
Reds’ Current Season and Prospects
As of now, the Reds hold a 51-55 record and sit 4.5 games out of a postseason spot. This positions them as sellers within the trade market, focusing on offloading short-term contracts to build for the future. The potential trade of Montas is a move aligned with that strategy, offering them prospects who can develop and contribute in the coming years.
For the Brewers, with a 60-45 record and a six-game lead in the NL Central, the acquisition of Montas and the earlier additions of Civale and Mears are steps towards fortifying their lineup for a strong drive towards the playoffs. The Brewers’ management is clearly making moves to ensure depth and reliability in their pitching options, which is crucial for postseason success.
Team Strategies and Outlook
The dynamics of this trade reflect the different stages and strategies of the two teams involved. The Brewers, positioned to compete in the playoffs, are focusing on immediate performance improvements in their pitching lineup. Meanwhile, the Reds are looking to the future, acquiring young talent with the hope that it will pay off in the long term.
While Montas’ recent performance suggests volatility, the Brewers are betting that he can return to form and provide the consistency they need. Conversely, the Reds are willing to take a chance on Wiemer's potential and Junis' capabilities as they reconfigure their roster and look beyond the current season.
The current landscape of MLB trades, with both competitive and rebuilding teams, showcases the strategic maneuvers teams must navigate. As this trade edges towards confirmation, it will be a fascinating development to see how both teams benefit from this exchange, and whether it will have the intended impact for both parties as the season progresses.