The Milwaukee Brewers are making waves as they continue to strengthen their roster ahead of the postseason. In their latest move, the Brewers are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. While official confirmation from both teams is still pending, sources within the league suggest that the trade is imminent.
In return for Montas, Milwaukee is sending outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. The 31-year-old Montas brings significant experience to the Brewers’ pitching rotation. Currently on a one-year, $16 million contract, Montas has had a challenging season, posting a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, 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, he has averaged fewer than five innings per outing.
Brewers' Strategy
The Brewers are clearly focused on bolstering their pitching staff. Earlier this month, they added Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays, and in a minor trade, they acquired right-handed reliever Nick Mears from the Colorado Rockies. These moves indicate Milwaukee’s intent to solidify their position as they currently maintain a six-game lead in the NL Central with a 60-45 record.
Montas, despite his recent struggles, offers a wealth of experience that the Brewers hope will pay dividends down the stretch and into the playoffs. The pressure will be on Milwaukee’s coaching staff to get Montas back on track and performing at a high level.
The Cincinnati Side
For Cincinnati, the trade is a part of a broader strategy to move rental players as they look to build for the future. With a 51-55 record and 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, the Reds are open to moving several key players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and possibly second baseman Jonathan India.
Joey Wiemer, a 25-year-old outfielder, heads to Cincinnati with the hopes of developing further in a new environment. Wiemer, a University of Cincinnati alum, slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs as a rookie in 2023. His return to Cincinnati marks a homecoming of sorts, and Reds fans will be eager to see how he fits into their lineup.
Joining Wiemer is Jakob Junis, who has been working on a one-year deal this season. Junis will add depth to the Reds' pitching rotation, providing them with another arm as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Implications of the Trade
The implications of this trade for both teams are significant. For Milwaukee, acquiring Montas could be a risk worth taking if he regains his form. His veteran presence could be crucial as the Brewers continue their push towards the playoffs. With a six-game lead, Milwaukee is in a strong position but must maintain their momentum, especially with the postseason in view.
For Cincinnati, the trade represents a step towards rebuilding and preparing for future seasons. By acquiring younger talents like Wiemer and reliable arms like Junis, the Reds are focusing on long-term gains rather than immediate results. This strategy may pay off as they look to improve their standing in subsequent seasons.
In conclusion, while the Brewers and Reds have different immediate aspirations, this trade highlights the distinct paths they are on. Milwaukee’s aggressive moves to bolster their roster reflect their win-now mentality, while Cincinnati’s willingness to trade away established players shows their commitment to building a competitive team for the future. Both teams will be closely watched as the season progresses and the full impact of this trade unfolds.