Brewers Poised to Acquire Frankie Montas in Exchange for Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis
The Milwaukee Brewers are on the verge of making a substantial roster move, as they are reportedly set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. League sources suggest that although neither team has officially confirmed the transaction, the deal appears to be imminent.
Montas's Profile and Recent Performance
Frankie Montas, 31, will be joining the Brewers on a one-year, $16 million contract. So far this season, Montas has had a challenging run on the mound, posting a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, totaling 93 1/3 innings. His recent performances have been particularly concerning, with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight starts. During this stretch, the right-hander has averaged fewer than five innings per outing, which raises questions about his endurance and effectiveness down the stretch for the Brewers.
Despite these struggles, the Brewers are betting on Montas's experience and past success to bolster their rotation as they aim to secure their position at the top of the NL Central.
Brewers' Recent Moves
The acquisition of Montas marks the latest in a series of strategic maneuvers by the Brewers. Earlier this month, Milwaukee added Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These moves signify the team's aggressive approach to bolstering their pitching staff for a deep postseason run.
Wiemer and Junis Headed to Cincinnati
In return for Montas, Milwaukee will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis to the Reds. Wiemer, 25, had a challenging rookie season, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. An alum of the University of Cincinnati, Wiemer offers promise and potential that the Reds are keen to tap into.
Jakob Junis, like Montas, is working on a one-year deal. His addition to the Reds will be pivotal as Cincinnati is open to moving their rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. There is also talk about potentially moving second baseman Jonathan India.
Reds' Current Standing and Strategy
With a record of 51-55, the Reds find themselves 4.5 games out of a postseason spot. The decision to offload Montas and consider other moves comes as they weigh their options for both the immediate future and long-term rebuilding efforts.
This trade signals a mix of strategic short-term adjustments and long-term planning for both teams. While the Brewers strengthen their rotation in pursuit of a playoff berth, the Reds acquire young talent that could play a significant role in their future success.
Brewers Lead NL Central
The Brewers currently hold a 60-45 record, maintaining a six-game lead in the NL Central. The addition of Montas, despite his recent struggles, is seen as a calculated risk designed to support the team’s quest to remain atop their division and secure a postseason bid.
As the trade deadline approaches, both teams will be closely watched for further moves and adjustments, setting the stage for an exciting second half of the season. Whether Montas can rediscover his form and solidify the Brewers' rotation remains a key storyline to follow.