Brewers Eye Playoff Push with Frankie Montas Acquisition
In a significant move aimed at bolstering their rotation, the Milwaukee Brewers are on the brink of acquiring veteran right-hander Frankie Montas from the Cincinnati Reds. Several sources within the league have indicated that this trade is imminent, although neither team has officially confirmed the deal.
The Brewers, who currently lead the NL Central with a 60-45 record, are aiming to solidify their pitching staff ahead of a potential postseason run. Montas, 31, is coming over on a one-year, $16 million contract. While his performance this season has been mixed, evidenced by a 5.01 ERA over 19 starts and spanning 93 1/3 innings, the Brewers seem confident in his ability to contribute down the stretch.
Recent Struggles and Potential Upside
Montas’s recent form has raised some eyebrows. Over his last eight starts, he has posted a 6.41 ERA and allowed a .866 OPS to opposing hitters, while averaging fewer than five innings per outing. These figures might not initially inspire confidence, but Milwaukee likely sees value in his veteran presence and potential for a rebound.
Adding Montas follows the Brewers’ strategy of shoring up their pitching arsenal. Earlier this month, they acquired Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays. Complementing these moves, Milwaukee also added right-handed reliever Nick Mears in a minor trade with the Colorado Rockies, indicating the front office's determination to build a deep and versatile pitching staff.
Cost and Considerations
In exchange for Montas, the Brewers will send outfielder Joey Wiemer and righty Jakob Junis to Cincinnati. Wiemer, a 25-year-old alum of the University of Cincinnati, has shown promise but has struggled at the plate in his rookie season, slashing .204/.283/.362 with 13 home runs. Meanwhile, Junis, who is also working on a one-year deal, provides the Reds with additional pitching depth.
For the Reds, this trade is consistent with their willingness to move rental players. Cincinnati has a 51-55 record and sits 4.5 games out of a postseason spot. The team appears to be taking a pragmatic approach to the remainder of the season, focusing on future assets and the possibility of a more competitive roster in subsequent years. Montas wasn’t their only asset on the block, as relievers Lucas Sims and Justin Wilson, and potentially second baseman Jonathan India, are also rumored to be available.
A Calculated Gamble
The Brewers' decision to acquire Montas carries the risk inherent in any mid-season trade, especially one involving a player with recent performance issues. However, this is a calculated gamble by Milwaukee's front office, spearheaded by an understanding of the unpredictable nature of baseball. It isn't solely about the numbers; it's also about depth, experience, and the potential for Montas to rediscover his form when it matters most.
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, moves like this signal the Brewers' commitment to maintaining their lead in the NL Central and making a strong push in the postseason. With Montas now arriving, the next few weeks will be critical in assessing whether this gamble pays off and how the dynamics of their pitching rotation will evolve.
Montas, who has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, could prove invaluable. His experience could be a steadying presence for a team with aspirations of postseason success, even if his recent stats suggest there's work to be done. For the Brewers, the hope is that a change of scenery will unlock the best version of Montas, making him a crucial component in their competitive plans for October.
All eyes will be on the Brewers and the impact of their latest acquisition as they prepare for the crucial final months of the season.