Brewers Close in on Trade for Reds' Frankie Montas
The Milwaukee Brewers are poised to make a significant move ahead of the trade deadline by acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. In return, the Brewers will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis to Cincinnati, according to sources within the league.
While neither team has officially confirmed the deal, the trade appears imminent. For Milwaukee, adding Montas bolsters their rotation as they push to maintain their lead in the NL Central and secure a postseason berth. The Brewers currently hold a 60-45 record, enjoying a six-game advantage in their division.
Montas' Season So Far
Montas, 31, is on a one-year, $16 million contract and has had a season filled with ups and downs. Over 19 starts, he has posted a 5.01 ERA across 93 1/3 innings. Recently, his struggles have become more pronounced, with a concerning 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS over his last eight starts. During this stretch, Montas has averaged fewer than five innings per outing.
Despite these challenges, the Brewers see potential in Montas's veteran presence and ability to eat innings. They are betting that a change of scenery and a new coaching staff might help Montas regain the form that made him an attractive arm on the market.
Trading Young Talent
In exchange for Montas, Milwaukee is parting with two notable players. Joey Wiemer, a 25-year-old outfielder, has shown flashes of promise in his rookie season, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. Wiemer, an alum of the University of Cincinnati, returns to familiar territory and offers the Reds a youthful addition with potential to develop further.
Jakob Junis, also on a one-year contract, heads to Cincinnati as part of the deal. Junis has been a reliable arm for the Brewers, and his departure will create a hole in their pitching depth that Milwaukee hopes Montas can fill.
Reds' Strategy and Future Moves
For the Reds, the decision to move Montas aligns with their broader strategy. With a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, Cincinnati is open to trading its rental players. The team is reportedly considering deals for relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson as well, and there is talk of potentially moving second baseman Jonathan India.
By acquiring Wiemer and Junis, the Reds are looking to add controllable players who can contribute to the team's future. Wiemer's youth and potential are particularly appealing, while Junis can provide immediate help in the rotation or bullpen.
Brewers' Busy Trade Season
This trade for Montas is not the Brewers' first move in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Milwaukee acquired right-hander Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays, bolstering their rotation. Additionally, the Brewers added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies, further strengthening their pitching staff.
The Brewers' aggressive approach in the trade market underscores their commitment to contending this season. By adding Montas and Civale, Milwaukee aims to solidify a rotation that can carry them deep into the postseason. Despite his recent struggles, Montas's track record suggests he has the potential to be a key contributor down the stretch.
As the trade deadline approaches, both teams are expected to finalize and officially announce the deal. For now, fans and analysts alike will keep a close watch on how these moves impact the Brewers' playoff push and the Reds' long-term rebuilding efforts.