The Milwaukee Brewers appear to be making significant moves ahead of the trade deadline, with sources indicating that the team is set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. While neither team has officially confirmed the deal, league insiders suggest that it is imminent and just awaiting final touches.
Montas’s Performance and Current Status
Frankie Montas, at 31 years old, is currently on a one-year, $16 million contract. This season, he has made 19 starts, accumulating 93 1/3 innings with a 5.01 ERA. However, his recent performance has been less than stellar, with a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS over his last eight starts. This stretch has seen Montas average fewer than five innings per outing, raising questions about his endurance and effectiveness as a starter. Despite these struggles, Milwaukee seems to be betting on Montas’s experience to bolster their rotation.
Brewers’ Roster Movements
The Brewers have been active in the trade market this season. Earlier in the month, they acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays to strengthen their starting rotation. Additionally, they added right-handed reliever Nick Mears through a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. The upcoming acquisition of Montas indicates the Brewers’ resolve to shore up their pitching staff as they approach the critical final stretch of the season.
Players Heading to Cincinnati
In return for Montas, the Brewers will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to the Reds. Joey Wiemer, a 25-year-old and a University of Cincinnati alum, had a challenging rookie season, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. Despite these stats, Wiemer’s potential and hometown connection might be compelling factors for the Reds.
Jakob Junis, like Montas, is also working on a one-year deal. While his current performance details were not highlighted, Junis could add depth to Cincinnati's pitching roster, providing more options as the team navigates the rest of the season.
Reds’ Trade Strategy
With a 51-55 record and sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot, the Cincinnati Reds are strategically open to moving their rental players. This group includes relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and there’s even talk about potentially trading away second baseman Jonathan India. These moves suggest that the Reds are looking to build for the future, acquiring younger talent and possibly draft picks to strengthen their long-term competitiveness.
Current Standings and Outlook
In contrast to the Reds, the Brewers are sitting at the top of the NL Central with a 60-45 record, maintaining a six-game lead. This advantageous position in the standings likely fuels their aggressive moves in the trade market, as they aim to solidify their roster for a deep playoff run. The addition of experienced players like Montas, supplemented by previous acquisitions such as Civale and Mears, reflects Milwaukee’s determination to capitalize on their strong standing.
While the confirmation of the trade is still pending, the dynamic alterations to both rosters highlight the differing strategies of the Brewers and the Reds. Milwaukee is set on immediate success, reinforced by seasoned players, whereas Cincinnati appears to be focusing on future potential and development. As the trade deadline looms, the completion of this deal will be a telling indicator of each team's ambitions and strategies in the ever-competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.