Milwaukee Brewers Make Strategic Moves Ahead of Trade Deadline
In a significant move nearing the trade deadline, the Milwaukee Brewers are poised to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. This deal comes as part of the Brewers' efforts to solidify their roster for a robust postseason push. In exchange, Milwaukee will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati, according to sources within the league, although neither team has officially confirmed the transaction.
Frankie Montas, a seasoned 31-year-old pitcher, finds himself on a one-year, $16 million contract. This season has been a tumultuous one for Montas, as he has posted a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, encompassing 93 1/3 innings. His performance in recent outings has been particularly troubling, with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS over his last eight starts, and an average of fewer than five innings per game during this stretch.
Brewers Strengthen Pitching Roster
This trade is part of a broader strategy by the Brewers to bolster their pitching lineup. Earlier this month, Milwaukee acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays, adding depth to their starting rotation. Additionally, they brought in right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies, showcasing their commitment to reinforcing both starting and relief pitching.
Joey Wiemer, who is set to join the Reds, is a promising 25-year-old outfielder. As a rookie in 2023, Wiemer posted a .204/.283/.362 slash line, with 13 home runs. His connection to Cincinnati is personal as well as professional, being an alum of the University of Cincinnati. Jakob Junis, the other player involved in the trade, is currently working under a one-year deal, aligning with the Reds' apparent strategy to move expendable rental players.
Reds’ Future Moves
The Cincinnati Reds, who currently hold a 51-55 record and are sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, appear to be recalibrating their roster with an eye toward the future. The Reds have shown openness to trading their rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. There is also speculation surrounding the potential movement of second baseman Jonathan India.
For the Brewers, this trade represents a strategic gamble, banking on Montas’ experience and potential to rebound from his recent struggles. With a current 60-45 record and maintaining a six-game lead in the NL Central, Milwaukee is clearly eyeing October with ambition. Strengthening their pitching staff appears to be a key component of this strategy, as they prepare to navigate the challenging waters of the postseason.
Implications for Both Teams
The implications of this trade could be significant for both teams. For the Brewers, adding Montas provides them with another experienced arm as they vie for a deep playoff run. For the Reds, Wiemer and Junis represent assets for their rebuilding efforts, potentially contributing to future successes.
As each team positions itself for the latter part of the season, the eyes of the baseball world will be on how these newly acquired players integrate and perform. The trade deadline often serves as a pivot point for teams, and this potential deal between the Brewers and Reds exemplifies the strategic moves clubs make in pursuit of their goals.