The Milwaukee Brewers are making waves as they prepare to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. While neither team has officially confirmed the deal, sources within the league indicate that the trade is imminent. In return, Milwaukee is set to send outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati.
A Veteran Arm for the Brewers
Montas, who is 31 years old, is currently pitching on a one-year, $16 million contract. He has posted a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts this season, amassing a total of 93 1/3 innings. However, his recent performance has raised some eyebrows. Over his last eight starts, Montas has recorded a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS, averaging fewer than five innings per outing during this stretch. Despite these challenges, Milwaukee seems to believe that Montas can help them maintain their lead in the NL Central.
Bolstering the Brewers' Roster
This move follows Milwaukee’s previous acquisitions aimed at strengthening their roster for a postseason run. Earlier this month, the Brewers added Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These strategic additions come as the Brewers currently hold a 60-45 record, maintaining a six-game lead in the NL Central.
Joey Wiemer: A High-Potential Talent
On the other side of the transaction, the Reds will be receiving Joey Wiemer, a 25-year-old outfielder. As a rookie in 2023, Wiemer slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. A University of Cincinnati alum, Wiemer’s potential and local ties make him an intriguing acquisition for Cincinnati.
Jakob Junis: A One-Year Rental
Joining Wiemer in Cincinnati is right-hander Jakob Junis, who, like Montas, is working on a one-year deal. Junis will add depth to the Reds' pitching staff, contributing to their efforts to salvage the season.
The Reds, holding a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, are open to moving their rental players. This includes not just Montas but also relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. There is also talk of the team potentially moving second baseman Jonathan India as they look to retool for the future.
As the league awaits the official confirmation of this trade, the potential impacts on both teams are noteworthy. For the Brewers, adding Montas is a gamble, betting on his ability to improve and stabilize their rotation as they push for postseason success. For the Reds, bringing in Wiemer and Junis could signify a strategic pivot, focusing on developing young talent and bolstering their roster for future seasons.