The Milwaukee Brewers are poised for a notable roster shake-up as they prepare to acquire veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. This anticipated move sets a significant exchange into motion, with the Brewers sending outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati in return.
While neither team has officially confirmed the deal, sources within the league suggest its finalization is imminent. Montas, a 31-year-old pitcher currently on a one-year, $16 million contract, has shown mixed results this season. Over 19 starts, Montas has compiled a 5.01 ERA across 93 1/3 innings. However, his recent performance has been concerning; in his last eight starts, he has registered a 6.41 ERA with an opponent's OPS of .866, averaging fewer than five innings per outing during this stretch.
This move comes as Milwaukee aims to strengthen their pitching staff for a postseason push. The Brewers, with a 60-45 record, hold a six-game lead in the NL Central and have already made strategic additions this month. Earlier, they acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays and secured right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies. These moves underline Milwaukee's determined efforts to fortify their pitching roster ahead of the crucial stages of the season.
Joey Wiemer, the 25-year-old outfielder being traded to the Reds, is a player with promise but has faced some challenges as a rookie in 2023. Wiemer slashed .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs this season. A University of Cincinnati alum, Wiemer will be returning to familiar grounds, potentially providing the Reds with a significant boost in the outfield.
Jakob Junis, another player making his move to Cincinnati, is on a one-year deal. His presence, alongside Wiemer, adds to the Reds' growing pool of emerging talent. Cincinnati, sitting 4.5 games out of a postseason spot with a 51-55 record, is looking to optimize their roster by trading rental players. This includes potential moves involving relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and even discussions about possibly trading second baseman Jonathan India.
Strategic Implications for both Teams
For the Brewers, bringing in Montas could be a calculated risk. Despite his recent struggles, his veteran experience could provide crucial innings as the team gears up for the playoffs. Manager Craig Counsell and his coaching staff will aim to restore Montas to his earlier form, addressing the issues that have affected his performance in the last couple of months.
On the flip side, the Reds' decision to take on young talents suggests a longer-term strategy. By acquiring promising players like Wiemer and Junis, Cincinnati is setting the stage for future competitiveness. Wiemer's return to Cincinnati, where he played college baseball, might also offer a morale boost, potentially aiding his development and contribution to the team's success.
Montas's Challenging Season
This season has been a rollercoaster for Montas. Starting strong but faltering in recent weeks, he has faced various hurdles. His high ERA and declining innings per start have been areas of concern. The Brewers will need to work closely with Montas to refine his approach and regain his consistency, especially if they are to maintain their lead in the division and secure a playoff berth.
The imminent trade signifies the Brewers' commitment to depth and resilience within their pitching lineup. As the postseason approaches, having a seasoned pitcher like Montas could be the edge they require. For fans and analysts alike, this trade will be watched keenly as it unfolds and impacts both teams' trajectories.
While the official announcements are awaited, the anticipation around this trade highlights the dynamic nature of MLB roster strategies. Both the Brewers and the Reds are making moves that reflect their immediate and long-term objectives, setting the stage for an intriguing remainder of the season.