The Milwaukee Brewers are making headlines once again with a significant trade move. Sources within the league suggest that the Brewers are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. Though neither team has officially confirmed the deal, it is reportedly imminent, adding a seasoned arm to Milwaukee's rotation.
A Look at the Trade Details
To obtain Montas, the Brewers are parting ways with outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis. Joey Wiemer, a 25-year-old University of Cincinnati alum, showed promise in his rookie season, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. His youth and potential make him a valuable asset for the Reds as they look to reshape their roster.
Jakob Junis, also on a one-year deal, will join Wiemer in Cincinnati. This move seems to align with the Reds' strategy, as they are reportedly open to trading their rental players. Relievers like Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and even second baseman Jonathan India, have been mentioned as possible trade pieces as the Reds maneuver for the future.
Frankie Montas: Analyzing the Pitcher
Frankie Montas, at 31 years old, comes to Milwaukee on a one-year, $16 million contract. However, his performance this season has been a mixed bag. Over 19 starts, Montas has posted a 5.01 ERA in 93 1/3 innings. More concerning is his recent form, where he has recorded a 6.41 ERA and allowed a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight starts. During this stretch, Montas has averaged fewer than five innings per outing, indicating struggles to go deep into games.
Despite these figures, the Brewers see potential value in Montas, hoping he can fortify their rotation as they push toward the playoffs. Milwaukee already has a strong lead in the NL Central, with a 60-45 record placing them six games ahead. Adding Montas to their roster, they aim to maintain and possibly extend this lead.
Milwaukee's Other Moves
Montas isn't the only acquisition for the Brewers this month. Earlier, they added Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and reinforced their bullpen by picking up right-handed reliever Nick Mears from the Colorado Rockies. These moves indicate Milwaukee's clear intent to bolster their pitching staff for a postseason run.
Cincinnati's Position
For the Reds, the decision to trade Montas and consider moving other rental players comes as they sit 4.5 games out of a postseason spot with a 51-55 record. The trade of Montas can be seen as a step towards building for the future, perhaps infusing their roster with young talent and flexibility for the next season.
Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis bring fresh energy and skills that the Reds might leverage to their advantage. Wiemer's connection to the University of Cincinnati adds an interesting local angle to his arrival, potentially resonating well with the fanbase.
The Road Ahead
As both teams navigate the remaining season, this trade could prove pivotal. For Milwaukee, the hope is that Montas can find his form and add depth to their pitching rotation, strengthening their postseason aspirations. For Cincinnati, the focus might shift more towards evaluating and developing the talents they acquire, setting a foundation for future success.
While the deal awaits official confirmation, the chess moves made by both the Brewers and Reds highlight the ever-competitive nature of MLB roster management, where even mid-season moves can turn the tides for better or worse.