Milwaukee Brewers Acquire Veteran Right-Hander Frankie Montas
The Milwaukee Brewers are set to make a significant splash by acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. In return, the Brewers will part ways with outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis, according to sources within the league. Neither team has officially confirmed the deal, but insiders indicate that the trade is imminent.
Montas' Performance and Contract
Frankie Montas, 31, brings a wealth of experience to the Brewers' rotation. Currently, he is on a one-year, $16 million contract. This season, Montas has posted a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, covering 93 1/3 innings. However, his recent performance has shown signs of struggle. Over his last eight starts, Montas has recorded a 6.41 ERA with a .866 opponent's OPS and has averaged fewer than five innings per outing.
Despite these challenges, the Brewers seem optimistic about the potential impact Montas can have on their playoff run. With Milwaukee holding a 60-45 record and maintaining a six-game lead in the NL Central, the addition of Montas could bolster their rotation depth as they push towards the postseason.
Brewers' Recent Moves
The acquisition of Montas is not an isolated move for the Brewers this month. Earlier, Milwaukee traded for Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays, further strengthening their pitching staff. Additionally, they secured right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These transactions underscore the Brewers' strategy to shore up their pitching as the season progresses.
Departures: Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis
In exchange for Montas, Milwaukee is trading away two notable players. Joey Wiemer, a 25-year-old outfielder and University of Cincinnati alum, will head to the Reds. As a rookie in 2023, Wiemer slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. His departure indicates the Brewers' willingness to part with young talent in order to strengthen their pitching rotation for a potential deep playoff run.
Jakob Junis, who is also on a one-year deal, will be joining Wiemer in Cincinnati. The specifics of Junis' current performance and contract details are less highlighted, but his inclusion in the trade deal signifies Milwaukee's commitment to strategically enhancing their pitching staff.
Cincinnati Reds' Positioning
For the Reds, the trade comes at a time when the team is 51-55, sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot. Cincinnati appears open to moving their rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. Additionally, there has been talk about potentially trading second baseman Jonathan India.
By acquiring Wiemer and Junis, the Reds seem to be positioning themselves for future competitiveness while acknowledging their current standing. The infusion of young talent like Wiemer could provide a spark, albeit directed more towards the long-term rather than immediate postseason ambitions.
Looking Forward
The impending trade between the Brewers and Reds signals both teams' strategic adjustments as they navigate the latter half of the season. Milwaukee aims to reinforce its pitching roster, leveraging Montas' experience despite his recent struggles. Meanwhile, Cincinnati continues to recalibrate, focusing on future prospects and potential roster developments.
As both teams finalize their transaction, the move could have significant implications for the playoff landscape in the National League, with Milwaukee fortifying their postseason push and the Reds retooling for the future. For now, the baseball world awaits official confirmation and the subsequent impact this trade might have on both franchises.