The Milwaukee Brewers are on the verge of making a significant midseason addition to their pitching staff, as they are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. Sources within the league indicate that the trade is imminent, though neither team has officially confirmed the deal.
Montas' Mixed Season
Frankie Montas, 31, has had an up-and-down season, posting a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, totaling 93 1/3 innings. His recent performances have been particularly worrisome, with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight starts. Additionally, Montas has averaged fewer than five innings per outing during this stretch. Despite these struggles, Milwaukee appears confident in his ability to make an impact.
The Brewers will absorb the remainder of Montas' one-year, $16 million contract as part of the deal. While his statistics this season may not paint the most flattering picture, Montas still brings valuable experience and a robust arm to a Brewers team that has clear postseason aspirations.
Brewers Strengthening Their Roster
In acquiring Montas, the Brewers continue a trend of bolstering their pitching ranks. Earlier this month, Milwaukee successfully landed Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays. They also added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These moves underscore the Brewers' strategy of solidifying their rotation and bullpen as they aim to maintain their lead in the NL Central, where they currently hold a six-game advantage with a 60-45 record.
Youth Movement for the Reds
In return for Montas, the Reds will receive outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis. Wiemer, 25, has slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs in his rookie season in 2023. A University of Cincinnati alum, Wiemer’s move to the Reds marks a homecoming of sorts and presents an opportunity for him to develop further with a team open to integrating younger talent.
Meanwhile, Jakob Junis, also working on a one-year deal, will bring depth to the Reds' pitching rotation. Though detailed stats for Junis’ current season were not provided, his addition aligns with Cincinnati's broader strategy of acquiring younger players who can be leveraged in the future.
Reds' Strategy and Potential Moves
The Reds, currently holding a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, have shown willingness to move rental players who may not fit into their long-term plans. This includes not only Montas but also relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. Additionally, there has been talk about the potential movement of second baseman Jonathan India, as the Reds explore options to retool their roster for sustained success.
By trading Montas, the Reds signal a commitment to a long-term vision, potentially building around younger, cost-controlled players like Wiemer and emerging prospects. This strategic pivot aligns with their current standings and the reality of their postseason chances this year.
Waiting for Official Confirmation
While the trade has not yet been officially confirmed by either organization, the sources within the league have made it clear that the deal is on the verge of completion. As is often the case with trades of this magnitude, final details and formal announcements can take time to materialize. Fans of both teams will be eagerly awaiting official word, even as they speculate on what this deal means for their respective clubs.
For the Brewers, the acquisition of Montas is a clear indication of their commitment to competing this season and strengthening their chances in the playoffs. For the Reds, it's a step toward a younger, more flexible roster that could become competitive in the seasons to come.