Milwaukee Brewers Add Experience to Their Rotation with Acquisition of Frankie Montas
The Milwaukee Brewers are on the verge of bolstering their pitching rotation in a big way. According to sources within the league, the Brewers are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. Though neither team has confirmed the deal officially, all indications point to its imminent finalization.
This trade will see the Brewers send outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis to Cincinnati in exchange for Montas. Montas, 31, is amidst a one-year, $16 million contract and has shown mixed results this season. Across 19 starts, the veteran has posted a 5.01 ERA over 93 1/3 innings. His recent performances, however, show a troubling trend, with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS in his last eight starts. During this stretch, he has averaged fewer than five innings per outing.
Despite these struggles, Montas brings a wealth of experience to the Brewers, who are looking to solidify their rotation as they push towards the postseason. Milwaukee, which currently holds a 60-45 record and maintains a six-game lead in the NL Central, is no stranger to strategic mid-season acquisitions. Earlier this month, they procured Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies.
As part of the trade, outfielder Joey Wiemer, 25, will be making his way to Cincinnati. Wiemer has had a challenging rookie season, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. Nonetheless, the University of Cincinnati alum offers potential and a fresh start with the Reds. Joining him is Jakob Junis, also on a one-year deal, who will add depth to the Reds' pitching staff.
The Cincinnati Reds, sitting at a 51-55 record and 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, appear to be in a selling mode. They have shown openness to moving their rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. Moreover, there is speculation about second baseman Jonathan India being available for the right price.
Montas’ acquisition highlights Milwaukee's commitment to enhancing their pitching strength as they gear up for the latter part of the season. Given Montas' inconsistencies, the Brewers are likely banking on his veteran prowess and potential for a resurgence down the stretch. The Brewers’ front office has displayed a keen eye for opportunity, having already bolstered their bullpen and rotation effectively.
For Cincinnati, this trade is a clear indication of their intent to rebuild and stockpile talent for future seasons. Adding a young, promising player like Wiemer and a steady arm in Junis fits with this strategy. The Reds' willingness to move key rental pieces suggests a broader strategy to rejuvenate their roster and build a competitive team in the coming years.
As both teams finalize the details and look ahead to formalizing the trade, fans and analysts will be eager to see how these moves influence the fortunes of both franchises. For the Brewers, the goal is clear: to solidify their playoff aspirations with seasoned bullpen depth. For the Reds, it’s about retooling and preparing for a stronger campaign in future seasons.