The Milwaukee Brewers are on the cusp of bolstering their pitching staff, as they are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. This strategic move aims to enhance their roster as both teams seek to solidify their standings for the remainder of the MLB season.
Details of the Trade
In exchange for Montas, the Brewers will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. Though neither team has officially confirmed the deal, sources within the league suggest that an announcement is imminent.
Frankie Montas, 31, is currently on a one-year, $16 million contract. Despite a challenging season so far, posting a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts and totaling 93 1/3 innings, Montas is seen as a valuable addition. His recent performance, featuring a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight starts, has brought some concerns. However, the Brewers seem confident in his potential to return to form.
Brewers' Strategic Moves
Milwaukee has been active in the trade market, with Montas being their latest acquisition following the earlier addition of Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays. Additionally, the Brewers secured right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These moves indicate Milwaukee's determination to strengthen their pitching options as they maintain a six-game lead in the NL Central with a 60-45 record.
Assessment of Outgoing Players
Joey Wiemer, 25, has shown promise as an outfielder. During his rookie season in 2023, Wiemer slashed .204/.283/.362, racking up 13 home runs. A University of Cincinnati alum, Wiemer brings potential and youth to the Reds, who are currently 4.5 games out of a postseason spot with a 51-55 record.
Jakob Junis is also on a one-year contract and will look to make an impact with his new team. The Reds, who are open to moving rental players, might see Junis as a valuable addition or trade chip for the future. Cincinnati is reportedly considering moving other players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and there has been speculation about second baseman Jonathan India's potential departure.
Impact on the League
The Brewers' acquisition of Montas underscores their commitment to remaining competitive in the highly contested NL Central. Montas' experience and ability to deliver quality starts will be crucial as the Brewers aim to maintain their lead and secure a postseason berth. The pitching reinforcements from Civale and Mears further solidify Milwaukee's strategy to build a robust bullpen, essential for their playoff aspirations.
On the other hand, the Reds are positioning themselves strategically for the future by acquiring young talent like Wiemer and Junis. With an eye on the broader picture, Cincinnati's front office appears prepared to make bold moves, potentially reshaping their roster to ensure long-term success.
As the trade deadline approaches, more transactions like these are anticipated, with teams reassessing their needs and assets in the pursuit of strengthening their postseason chances or building for the future. The imminent confirmation of the Montas trade will mark another significant chapter in this MLB season, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the league.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how these changes play out on the field, with expectations high for the newly configured rosters. The Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds are both set to navigate the remainder of the season with renewed strategies and key additions, shaping the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.