The Milwaukee Brewers are on the cusp of making a pivotal move in their quest for postseason success. According to sources within the league, the Brewers are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. While neither team has officially confirmed the trade, the deal appears imminent.
In exchange for Montas, Milwaukee will part ways with outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis, offering Cincinnati valuable assets as they retool their roster. This trade marks another key move for the Brewers, who recently secured right-handed starter Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this month and added reliever Nick Mears via a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies.
Montas' Current Season Performance
Frankie Montas, 31, has been a mixed bag this season. On a one-year, $16 million contract, Montas has posted a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, accumulating 93 1/3 innings. His performance has notably dipped over his last eight starts, with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS. During this stretch, he has averaged fewer than five innings per outing, suggesting fatigue or underlying issues that the Brewers' coaching staff will need to address.
Despite these struggles, Montas brings a wealth of experience and potential upside to Milwaukee's rotation. The Brewers, with a 60-45 record and a six-game lead in the NL Central, are making calculated moves to bolster their pitching staff as the playoff race intensifies.
Reds Embrace a Rebuilding Phase
On the flip side, the Reds appear to be embracing a rebuilding phase. With a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, Cincinnati is open to moving its rental players. This includes relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and there is even talk of potentially trading second baseman Jonathan India. By acquiring Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis, the Reds are looking to build a more competitive team for the future.
Wiemer, 25, is an intriguing addition. An alum of the University of Cincinnati, Wiemer slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs as a rookie in 2023. His potential to develop into a reliable power hitter could be a significant boost for the Reds' lineup in the coming seasons.
Jakob Junis, who is also on a one-year deal, adds depth to Cincinnati's pitching staff. While his immediate impact remains to be seen, Junis has the potential to provide valuable innings as the Reds navigate the rest of the season and beyond.
Assessing Milwaukee's Strategy
For the Brewers, these transactions underscore their aggressive approach to solidifying their roster. With a commendable lead in their division and postseason aspirations, Milwaukee's front office is leaving no stone unturned. The addition of Montas is a calculated risk that could pay dividends if he regains his form.
This trade also reflects Milwaukee's confidence in its scouting and development teams. The organization appears willing to leverage its assets to address current needs, signaling a win-now mentality. The moves to acquire Civale and Mears further illustrate this approach, showcasing the Brewers' commitment to enhancing both their starting rotation and bullpen.
In a season marked by uncertainty and fluctuating performances, Milwaukee's proactive maneuvers could set them apart as contenders. While the success of these trades will ultimately be judged by the team's performance in the postseason, the Brewers have undeniably fortified their roster for the stretch run.
As the teams navigate the final stages of the trade, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. The Brewers' continued success hinges on the performance of their new acquisitions, while the Reds' future will be shaped by the development of their young talents. Only time will tell how these moves will play out, but for now, Milwaukee appears poised to make a significant push as October approaches.
