The Milwaukee Brewers are making a significant move to bolster their pitching staff as they are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. In a proactive exchange, Milwaukee will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. While official confirmation from either team is still pending, sources within the league indicate that the trade is imminent.
Montas' Current Season Challenges
Frankie Montas, at 31 years old, is currently on a one-year, $16 million contract. This season has been a challenging one for Montas, who has posted a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, covering 93 1/3 innings. His recent performance has been particularly concerning, with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight starts. Additionally, Montas has averaged fewer than five innings per outing during this stretch—a far cry from the reliability the Brewers hope to see.
Brewers' Recent Moves
The Brewers have been active in the trade market recently. Earlier this month, they acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays, enhancing their rotation. Additionally, Milwaukee added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These moves underscore the Brewers' determination to remain competitive, as they currently hold a 60-45 record and maintain a six-game lead in the NL Central.
The Reds' Strategy
The Cincinnati Reds, with a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, appear to be in a selling mode as the trade deadline approaches. They're open to moving rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. There is also talk about potentially moving second baseman Jonathan India, indicating a willingness to retool the roster for future competitiveness.
Player Profiles: Wiemer and Junis
Joey Wiemer, at 25 years old, made his MLB debut this season. As a rookie, he slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. A University of Cincinnati alum, Wiemer brings a combination of youth and potential to the Reds' lineup—qualities that could fit well with Cincinnati's long-term plans.
Jakob Junis is also on a one-year deal and will add depth to Cincinnati’s pitching staff. The Reds will look to Junis to help stabilize their rotation as they navigate the remainder of the season and beyond.
Uncertainties and Speculations
Despite the swirling rumors and sourced information, neither team has made an official announcement regarding the trade. The dynamic nature of trade negotiations leaves room for potential changes. However, the indications are strong that the deal will be finalized soon.
This trade represents a strategic maneuver by both teams, each with differing immediate objectives. For the Brewers, adding Montas, despite his recent struggles, reflects their commitment to strengthening a pitching staff that will be crucial for their postseason ambitions. Conversely, for the Reds, the acquisition of young talent like Wiemer, coupled with the seasoned arm of Junis, aligns with their effort to rebuild and enhance their future roster.
As the baseball world keenly watches, it will be interesting to see how this trade impacts both teams' trajectories in the remaining months of the season. The Brewers’ front office and coaching staff will be scrutinizing Montas' performance closely, hoping he can regain the form that once made him a formidable presence on the mound. Meanwhile, the Reds will turn their focus to integrating Wiemer and Junis into their lineup and rotation, respectively, as part of their evolving strategy.
With the trade deadline looming, this deal underscores the ever-fluid nature of Major League Baseball, where strategic adjustments and roster tweaks are a constant pursuit for teams aspiring for success.