The Milwaukee Brewers are poised to make a significant move in their quest to solidify their pitching rotation. According to league sources, 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-hander Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. While neither team has officially confirmed the deal, the rumor mill suggests that the trade is imminent.
Frankie Montas: A Veteran with Mixed Results
Frankie Montas, a seasoned 31-year-old pitcher, is currently on a one-year, $16 million contract. Despite his experience and previous success, Montas has had a challenging season. Over 19 starts, he has posted a 5.01 ERA across 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 period, Montas has averaged fewer than five innings per outing, raising questions about his stamina and effectiveness.
The Brewers' Bolstered Rotation
The acquisition of Montas marks another strategic move by the Brewers to enhance their pitching staff. Earlier this month, Milwaukee added Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays in a bid to strengthen their rotation. Additionally, they secured right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These moves highlight the Brewers' commitment to solidifying their roster as they maintain a six-game lead in the NL Central with a 60-45 record.
Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis: New Faces for Cincinnati
In return for Montas, the Reds will gain two promising players. Outfielder Joey Wiemer, a 25-year-old University of Cincinnati alum, had a challenging rookie season in 2023, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. Despite his struggles, Wiemer has shown potential and could benefit from a change of scenery.
Joining Wiemer is right-hander Jakob Junis, who is also on a one-year deal. Junis's performance this season has yet to be detailed, but his inclusion in the trade suggests he is a valuable piece for the Reds. Cincinnati is in a rebuilding phase, currently holding a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot. The team's willingness to move rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, reflects their strategy of acquiring young talent and building for the future. There is even talk about potentially trading second baseman Jonathan India, further indicating the Reds' intent to overhaul their roster.
The Trade's Implications
The trade's impending confirmation will likely evoke mixed reactions from both fan bases. Brewers fans may question the decision to acquire Montas, given his recent struggles. However, the move aligns with Milwaukee's ambition to develop a competitive rotation for the playoff push. For Reds fans, the trade represents a shift towards the future, with the addition of young talents like Wiemer and Junis offering hope for long-term success.
If the deal goes through, it will underscore a broader trend in Major League Baseball, where teams out of contention look to capitalize on veteran players by exchanging them for promising prospects. This strategy allows teams like the Reds to rebuild, while those in playoff contention, such as the Brewers, aim to address immediate needs.
All eyes will be on the official announcements from both teams, and it remains to be seen how this trade will impact the dynamics of the NL Central. As the season progresses, the effectiveness of such trades, both for short-term gains and long-term development, will become more apparent.
For now, the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds are at the center of attention, as the baseball community awaits the final word on this significant trade.