Brewers and Reds Near Trade Deal Involving Frankie Montas
The Milwaukee Brewers are on the brink of acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds, according to sources within the league. Though neither team has officially confirmed the deal, the trade is reported to be imminent, adding a significant new dimension to Milwaukee's pitching roster as they continue their playoff push.
Montas, a 31-year-old pitcher currently on a one-year, $16 million contract, has experienced a challenging season thus far. Over 19 starts, he has posted a 5.01 ERA in 93 1/3 innings. In his last eight outings, Montas has struggled notably, recording a 6.41 ERA while his opponents have managed an .866 OPS against him. Additionally, he's averaged fewer than five innings per outing during this stretch, which raises questions about his endurance and effectiveness late in games.
Despite these numbers, the Brewers evidently see potential in Montas to bolster their rotation. The team currently holds a 60-45 record and maintains a six-game lead in the NL Central. Adding Montas could provide a veteran presence and an additional arm to manage the workload down the stretch.
In exchange for Montas, the Brewers are expected to send outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. Wiemer, a 25-year-old alum of the University of Cincinnati, presents a mixed bag of potential and development needs. In his rookie year of 2023, Wiemer slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs, showing glimpses of power but struggling with consistency at the plate.
Jakob Junis, who is also on a one-year contract, rounds out the trade package heading to Cincinnati. His inclusion indicates that the Reds are looking to add pitching depth even as they potentially offload other assets. The Reds, currently sporting a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, are open to moving their rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and there’s also chatter about potentially trading second baseman Jonathan India.
This impending deal marks the latest in a series of moves by the Brewers to strengthen their roster this season. Earlier this month, they acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays, reinforcing their starting rotation. Additionally, Milwaukee added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies, underscoring their strategy of bolstering their pitching staff.
For the Reds, this deal reflects a strategic pivot toward the future. By trading a veteran on a short-term contract, they receive young talent in return, which may prove beneficial in the long term. Wiemer’s potential development and Junis’ experience could provide Cincinnati with valuable options as they evaluate their roster moving forward.
As both teams await the official announcement, this trade represents a significant shift in their respective season narratives. The Brewers, with their eyes set on maintaining their lead and making a deep postseason run, continue to invest in pitching reinforcements. Meanwhile, the Reds appear to be retooling their roster, focused on potential future gains rather than the immediate postseason chase.
This anticipated transaction has fans and analysts alike speculating about the broader implications for both teams. Should Montas rediscover his form, the Brewers could well solidify their pitching rotation at a crucial juncture in the season. Conversely, if Wiemer and Junis exceed expectations in Cincinnati, the Reds could find themselves with critical building blocks for the future.