When Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds finalize an impending trade, the landscape of Major League Baseball could see a significant shift. The Brewers are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Reds, bolstering their rotation for a high-stakes postseason push.
Montas to Join Brewers’ Ranks
Frankie Montas, 31, is currently midway through a one-year, $16 million contract. While his performance this season – a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts totaling 93 1/3 innings – has been less than stellar, the Brewers are betting on his veteran savvy and potential resurgence. His recent struggles are evident, posting a 6.41 ERA with a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight starts, averaging fewer than five innings per outing during this stretch. It’s a gamble but one that the Brewers believe could pay dividends as they march toward the playoffs.
Milwaukee won’t acquire Montas without giving up considerable talent. Outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis are headed to Cincinnati in return. Wiemer, a 25-year-old University of Cincinnati alum, slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs as a rookie in 2023. Junis, working on a one-year deal, provides the Reds with an immediate arm for their rotation or bullpen.
Brewers’ Trade Activity
This latest move follows other strategic acquisitions by the Brewers. Earlier this month, they brought in Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays, another effort to solidify their pitching staff. Additionally, right-handed reliever Nick Mears joined the roster in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies, showcasing Milwaukee’s intent on building a robust bullpen and starting rotation for the postseason.
The Brewers’ proactive trading comes as they hold a strong 60-45 record and maintain a six-game lead in the NL Central. The team’s management is clearly focused on making a deep run in the playoffs, and the acquisition of Montas could be a vital piece of that puzzle.
Cincinnati Eyeing the Future
For the Reds, the trade appears to be part of a broader strategy to reshape their roster. With a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, Cincinnati seems ready to move its rental players. Rumors also suggest potential moves involving relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and there is even talk about possibly trading second baseman Jonathan India.
By trading Montas, the Reds acquire young, controllable talent in Wiemer and Junis. This aligns with their apparent focus on building a competitive team for the future while dealing immediate assets that might not contribute beyond this season. This strategy could provide the Reds with the necessary pieces to be more competitive in the coming years.
Final Steps
While neither team has officially confirmed the deal, sources within the league indicate that it is imminent. Fans of both franchises await with bated breath as the final pieces of the trade are ironed out.
The impact of this trade on both teams will be closely monitored in the following weeks. The Brewers hope Montas can recapture his form and bolster their rotation, while the Reds look forward to seeing how Wiemer and Junis can contribute to their organization going forward.
As the trade deadline approaches, moves like this serve as a reminder of the ever-shifting strategies at play in Major League Baseball. Teams like the Brewers and Reds must continually balance the present against the future, making moves that reflect their ambitions and constraints. For now, all eyes are on Frankie Montas and Milwaukee's postseason hopes.