As the MLB trade deadline swiftly approaches, the Milwaukee Brewers are making waves with a significant acquisition. The Brewers are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. In exchange, Milwaukee will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. Although neither team has officially confirmed the deal, sources within the league suggest that the trade is imminent.
Milwaukee's Fresh Arm
Frankie Montas, 31, joins the Brewers on the back of a one-year, $16 million contract. The seasoned pitcher has had a challenging season, posting a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, accumulating 93 1/3 innings. In his last eight starts, Montas has struggled with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS, averaging less than five innings per outing. Despite these recent woes, Milwaukee sees Montas as a valuable addition as they bolster their rotation for a postseason push.
This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by the Brewers to strengthen their pitching staff. Earlier this month, Milwaukee acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These moves signal Milwaukee's commitment to fortifying their roster as they aim to maintain their lead in the NL Central.
Wiemer and Junis Head to Cincinnati
In return, the Reds are gaining outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis. Wiemer, 25, showcased his potential as a rookie in 2023, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. His performance, though not stellar, indicates room for growth, and Cincinnati will be eager to see what their new outfielder can bring to the table. Wiemer, an alum of the University of Cincinnati, will be returning to familiar grounds as he dons the Reds' uniform.
Jakob Junis, who is also working on a one-year deal, adds depth to Cincinnati's pitching rotation. The Reds' openness to moving rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, indicates that the team is retooling for the future. There is also talk of potentially moving second baseman Jonathan India, suggesting a broader strategy to rebuild for next season and beyond.
Teams' Current Standings
The Brewers, sitting atop the NL Central with a 60-45 record, are keen to solidify their chances of a postseason run. Their six-game lead in the division provides a cushion, but the addition of Montas could be pivotal in ensuring they maintain their edge as the season progresses.
On the other hand, the Cincinnati Reds, with a 51-55 record, currently find themselves 4.5 games out of a postseason spot. While this trade signifies a shift towards future planning for Cincinnati, it could also provide them with the necessary pieces to make a late push this season. The infusion of young talent like Wiemer, along with the stability Junis might offer, could spark a turnaround in their fortunes.
As the trade deadline looms, both teams are clearly maneuvering to optimize their rosters. Milwaukee's focus is on immediate success and playoff aspirations, while Cincinnati looks to balance competitiveness now with the potential for growth in the future. With these strategic moves, the landscape of the NL Central could see significant shifts in the coming weeks.