Brewers to Acquire Frankie Montas from Reds in Key Trade
The Milwaukee Brewers are poised to bolster their pitching rotation by acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. According to multiple league sources, the trade, which has not yet been officially confirmed by either team, will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati in exchange for Montas.
The deal comes as a significant move for the Brewers, who have maintained a six-game lead in the NL Central with a 60-45 record. The addition of Montas, who is currently on a one-year, $16 million contract, aims to strengthen a roster that has already seen recent upgrades, including the acquisition of Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and right-handed reliever Nick Mears from the Colorado Rockies.
Montas’ Mixed Season
Frankie Montas, 31, has had an up-and-down season, posting a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts and totaling 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. During this stretch, Montas averaged fewer than five innings per outing, raising questions about his durability and effectiveness.
Despite his struggles, Montas' veteran presence and potential for high-caliber pitching make him a valuable asset as the Brewers look to solidify their position heading into the final stretch of the season.
Brewers’ Strategy: Adding Depth
Milwaukee’s interest in Montas reflects the team’s strategy of adding depth and experience to their pitching roster. The Brewers have been proactive in addressing their needs, as evidenced by their recent transactions. Earlier this month, they acquired pitcher Aaron Civale, an indication that the front office is committed to fortifying the rotation for a postseason push.
Outgoing Brewers: Wiemer and Junis
In return for Montas, the Brewers are parting with 25-year-old outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis. Wiemer, a University of Cincinnati alum, made his debut as a rookie in 2023 and posted a .204/.283/.362 slash line with 13 home runs. While his offensive numbers indicate room for improvement, his potential and youth make him an intriguing addition to the Reds’ lineup.
Jakob Junis, also on a one-year deal, has provided the Brewers with solid innings, but his departure will be felt as the team looks to reconfigure their pitching staff to accommodate new additions and maintain their competitive edge.
Reds’ Motivations and Future Moves
For Cincinnati, the decision to trade Montas may signal a broader strategy to move rental players as they look to rebuild for the future. The Reds, holding a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, are considering moves beyond Montas. Relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, as well as second baseman Jonathan India, have all been subjects of trade discussions.
The Reds’ willingness to move key players indicates a shift towards long-term planning, making use of their current assets to build a stronger, more competitive roster in the upcoming seasons.
A Trade That Could Define the Season
While the trade awaits official confirmation, its implications for both teams are significant. For the Brewers, acquiring Montas represents a calculated risk to enhance their rotation and ensure stability as they aim for a deep postseason run. For the Reds, the trade epitomizes a strategic pivot, with an eye on future success by integrating young talent and reshaping the current roster.
As both teams navigate the complexities of the trade and its immediate impact, the coming weeks will reveal whether these calculated moves pay off, shaping the trajectory of their respective seasons.