The Milwaukee Brewers are set to bolster their pitching rotation with the acquisition of veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. This trade will see outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis heading to Cincinnati in return. Although neither team has officially confirmed the deal, sources within the league indicate that the trade is imminent and likely to be finalized soon.
Montas' Current Performance
Montas, 31, is currently under a one-year, $16 million contract. His performance this season has been rocky, with a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, totaling 93 1/3 innings. His struggles have been more pronounced in his last eight starts, where he has posted a 6.41 ERA and allowed an opponent's OPS of .866. Additionally, Montas has averaged fewer than five innings per outing during this stretch. Despite these issues, the Brewers appear willing to bet on his potential for a resurgence.
Brewers' Recent Moves
This trade aligns with the Brewers' recent strategy to strengthen their bullpen and rotation. Earlier this month, Milwaukee acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays, and more recently, they added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These moves highlight the Brewers' commitment to fortifying their pitching staff as they aim to maintain their lead in the NL Central.
Currently, the Brewers boast a 60-45 record, maintaining a six-game lead in the NL Central. By bringing in Montas, they hope to stabilize their rotation further and ensure they remain competitive as the season progresses.
Wiemer and Junis Update
Heading to Cincinnati are outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis. Wiemer, 25, made his MLB debut as a rookie in 2023, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. Notably, Wiemer is an alumnus of the University of Cincinnati, which adds an interesting local connection to his new team. Junis, also on a one-year deal, will be looking to make an impact with the Reds as they eye potential roster moves.
Reds' Perspective
The Cincinnati Reds, sitting at a 51-55 record and 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, appear open to moving rental players. This approach is evidenced by their willingness to include relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson in trade talks. Additionally, there have been discussions about potentially moving second baseman Jonathan India. Acquiring Wiemer and Junis can be seen as a step towards reshaping their roster for both the present and foreseeable future.
This trade marks another chapter in a busy period for both teams, with the Brewers solidifying their playoff aspirations and the Reds seeking to rebuild and optimize their roster for the future. As more information becomes available and the deal is officially confirmed, fans will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on how these moves affect both rosters.