Brewers to Acquire Frankie Montas in Multi-Player Deal with Reds
In a bold move to bolster their pitching staff, the Milwaukee Brewers are on the verge of acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. Sources within the league confirm that while neither team has officially announced the deal, the trade is imminent.
The trade agreement will see the Brewers sending outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. Frankie Montas, who turns 31 this year, has had a challenging season thus far, registering a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts, totaling 93 1/3 innings pitched. His recent performance has been less than stellar, with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS over his last eight starts, during which he has averaged fewer than five innings per outing. Despite these struggles, the Brewers see potential value in Montas, hoping that a change of scenery might help him regain his form.
Montas is currently on a one-year contract worth $16 million. The Brewers are optimistic that his acquisition will strengthen their rotation as they look toward the postseason. Montas’s experience and history of success in the league could be a key asset as Milwaukee aims to maintain their lead in the NL Central.
Mortal Comeback for a Rebuilding Reds
For the Cincinnati Reds, this trade represents a strategic decision to move some of their rental players. Cincinnati has a 51-55 record and is 4.5 games out of a postseason spot. Given their standing, the Reds are open to making moves that could benefit them in the long term. In addition to Montas, the Reds have expressed openness to trading relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and there is also speculation around potentially moving second baseman Jonathan India.
Joey Wiemer and Jakob Junis are set to head to Cincinnati as part of the deal. Wiemer, a 25-year-old outfielder and University of Cincinnati alum, has put up a .204/.283/.362 slash line with 13 home runs in his rookie season. For the Reds, Wiemer's return to his alma mater city could be a heartening homecoming story, and they will be looking forward to integrating his raw potential into their lineup.
Jakob Junis, working on a one-year deal himself, will bring added depth to the Reds' pitching staff. Although not as high-profile as Montas, Junis has shown flashes of competence on the mound, and the Reds will hope he can contribute positively to their rotation.
Brewers’ Strategy and Recent Moves
This isn't the Brewers' first move to upgrade their roster. Earlier this month, Milwaukee acquired right-handed pitcher Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays. Civale’s addition has already paid dividends for the Brewers, and the front office hopes Montas can provide similar value.
Additionally, the Brewers have signed right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These strategic moves underscore the Brewers' commitment to solidifying their pitching corps, a critical component for any team with postseason aspirations.
The Brewers currently hold a 60-45 record and maintain a six-game lead in the NL Central. The acquisition of Montas and the other recent trades highlight their proactive approach to ensuring they remain competitive down the stretch.
High Stakes as Trade Deadline Looms
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, teams across the league are making pivotal decisions that will shape their playoff fates. The Brewers' front office has shown a willingness to make calculated risks by acquiring experienced arms, hoping these moves will ensure a deep postseason run.
Meanwhile, the Reds are taking a pragmatic approach, recognizing the need to build for the future. By trading Montas and possibly other rental players, Cincinnati aims to acquire young talent that can develop into key contributors in the years to come.
While fans in both cities await the official confirmation of this significant trade, it is clear that both the Brewers and the Reds are making moves with their eyes firmly set on their respective goals — Milwaukee on a championship run, and Cincinnati on rebuilding a competitive squad for the future.