The Milwaukee Brewers have made a significant move as they prepare for the latter part of the MLB season, acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. According to sources within the league, the trade is imminent, although neither team has officially confirmed the deal.
Brewers Boost Pitching Roster
The addition of Montas represents a notable boost to the Brewers' pitching arsenal. Currently on a one-year, $16 million contract, the 31-year-old pitcher brings substantial experience to Milwaukee's roster. However, Montas has faced challenges this season, posting a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts and 93 1/3 innings. His recent performance has been a point of concern, 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, the Brewers appear confident that Montas can regain his form and provide valuable innings as they continue to compete for a playoff spot.
Brewers Send Wiemer and Junis to Reds
In exchange for Montas, Milwaukee will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and right-hander Jakob Junis to the Reds. Wiemer, a University of Cincinnati alum, has shown promise in his rookie season, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. The 25-year-old outfielder represents a significant addition for the Reds, particularly as they seek to build a competitive roster for the future.
Jakob Junis, who is also on a one-year deal, will join the Reds' pitching staff. Like Montas, Junis has had an up-and-down season, but his versatility and potential make him a valuable asset for Cincinnati as they look to develop their pitching depth.
Reds Open to Further Moves
The Reds have signaled a willingness to move several of their rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson. There is also speculation surrounding the potential trade of second baseman Jonathan India. With a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, Cincinnati appears focused on retooling their roster with an eye toward the future.
Brewers' Strategic Acquisitions
This move comes on the heels of other strategic acquisitions by the Brewers earlier this month. Milwaukee previously secured the services of Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These additions underscore the Brewers' intent to bolster their roster and improve their chances of maintaining their six-game lead in the NL Central, where they currently hold a 60-45 record.
As both teams negotiate their final transactions, the trade of Frankie Montas to the Brewers highlights the flurry of activity in the lead-up to the trade deadline. For Milwaukee, the hope is that Montas, alongside their other recent acquisitions, will provide the depth and reliability needed to make a strong postseason push. Meanwhile, the Reds continue to navigate a rebuilding phase, focusing on future potential and growth.
While official confirmations are pending, this trade has already set the stage for a dynamic conclusion to the season for both clubs. With critical games looming, both Milwaukee and Cincinnati will be keenly watching the results of their moves, each team with distinct goals in mind—one eyeing a playoff run, the other laying the groundwork for future success.