The Milwaukee Brewers are making significant moves to bolster their roster as they enter the crucial stretch of the season. In a deal that has yet to be officially confirmed by either team, the Brewers are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. In exchange, Milwaukee will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis to Cincinnati, according to sources within the league.
Bolstering the Brewers’ Rotation
Frankie Montas, a 31-year-old pitcher currently on a one-year, $16 million contract, brings with him a track record of experience and resilience. Despite a challenging season where he has posted a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, totaling 93 1/3 innings, Montas remains a valuable asset. His recent form has seen a dip, with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent’s OPS across his last eight starts, where he has averaged fewer than five innings per outing.
This acquisition aligns with the Brewers' recent strategy of strengthening their pitching staff. Earlier this month, the team added Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These moves signal the Brewers' commitment to solidifying their chances as they maintain a six-game lead in the NL Central with a 60-45 record.
A New Home for Wiemer and Junis
On the other side of the trade, outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis are heading to Cincinnati. Wiemer, a 25-year-old University of Cincinnati alum, showed promise in his rookie season, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. His departure marks the end of a developing talent's tenure in Milwaukee but opens new opportunities with the Reds.
Jakob Junis, also on a one-year deal, provides Cincinnati with additional pitching options. While the specifics of his season's performance were not detailed, Junis' inclusion in the trade underscores the Reds' strategy of acquiring serviceable players for their immediate needs.
Reds’ Broader Trade Strategy
With a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, the Reds are exploring options to move their rental players. Apart from Montas, Cincinnati is considering trading relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and there is ongoing discussion about the potential move of second baseman Jonathan India. These decisions reflect a team at a crossroads, looking to reposition themselves either for a late-season push or a more extensive rebuild.
Implications of the Trade
This imminent deal is poised to have several implications for both teams. For the Brewers, acquiring Montas presents an opportunity to fortify their pitching depth, which is crucial as they navigate the final months of the regular season and potentially the postseason. Montas, despite recent struggles, possesses the experience that could prove invaluable in high-stakes situations.
Meanwhile, the Reds' acquisition of young talent like Wiemer, combined with the flexibility provided by Junis, aligns with their longer-term vision. By potentially trading away rental players, Cincinnati is accumulating future assets and creating room for development within their roster.
Neither team has officially confirmed the deal, but the information from reliable sources within the league indicates that the trade completion is imminent. As both teams prepare for the finalization and subsequent adjustments, the changes promise to stir anticipation and excitement among the fans and within the league.