Milwaukee Brewers Acquire Frankie Montas from Cincinnati Reds
In a move that has significant implications for the National League Central race, the Milwaukee Brewers are set to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. Sources within the league indicate that the trade is imminent, though neither team has yet to officially confirm the deal.
The Brewers will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati in exchange for Montas. This trade adds another veteran arm to Milwaukee’s rotation as they look to solidify their lead in the division. The Brewers currently hold a six-game lead in the NL Central with a 60-45 record, while the Reds, sitting at 51-55, are 4.5 games out of a postseason spot and appear to be positioning themselves for the future by moving rental players.
Frankie Montas' Recent Struggles
Frankie Montas, 31, is currently on a one-year, $16 million contract. His recent performance has been underwhelming, with a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts this season, totaling 93 1/3 innings. Montas has particularly struggled over his last eight starts, posting a 6.41 ERA and a .866 opponent's OPS, while averaging fewer than five innings per outing. Despite these struggles, the Brewers appear to believe that Montas can help them down the stretch and potentially in the postseason.
The addition of Montas comes on the heels of Milwaukee’s acquisition of Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this month and their minor trade with the Colorado Rockies to add right-handed reliever Nick Mears. The Brewers are clearly making a push to bolster their pitching staff as they eye a deep playoff run.
The Reds' Positioning for the Future
For the Reds, the trade represents an opportunity to add young talent. Joey Wiemer, 25, is a promising outfielder who slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs as a rookie in 2023. A University of Cincinnati alum, Wiemer returns to familiar territory and could become a mainstay in the Reds’ outfield. Jakob Junis, who is also on a one-year deal, will add depth to Cincinnati's pitching staff.
Cincinnati seems to be in full sell mode for their rental players, including relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and there is also talk about potentially moving second baseman Jonathan India. With their current record and position in the standings, the Reds are looking to the future and attempting to build a roster that can compete in the coming years.
Impact on the Brewers' Rotation
The Brewers’ acquisition of Montas, despite his recent struggles, underscores their urgency to strengthen the pitching rotation. With Brandon Woodruff leading the rotation and Freddy Peralta providing strong support, Montas could slot in as a critical third or fourth option. If Montas can regain his form, the Brewers will add a significant arm to their rotation. However, if his struggles continue, Milwaukee may have to rely on their recent acquisitions and their current staff to carry them through the season.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Brewers are making it clear that they are serious about contending for the National League pennant. By making strategic moves to improve their pitching depth, Milwaukee is setting itself up for the rigorous demands of postseason baseball.
Overall, this trade signifies the different paths both teams are on. The Brewers are in win-now mode, looking to make a deep playoff run, while the Reds are focusing on rebuilding and positioning themselves for future success. The completion of this trade could be a pivotal moment in the season for both franchises.