Despite trading their ace Corbin Burnes and losing multiple starters to injuries, the Milwaukee Brewers are leading the NL Central by seven games as the trade deadline approaches. They’ve used a record 16 starters this year, recently acquiring righty Aaron Civale from the Rays. Now, they’ve added Frankie Montas from the Reds in a rare intradivisional trade for outfielder Joey Wiemer and reliever Jakob Junis.
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Montas, despite recent injury struggles and declining performance since his 2021 peak, joins the Brewers’ rotation. His 5.01 ERA and diminished pitching stats make him a gamble, but the Brewers hope their history of optimizing pitchers can revive his form. This trade bolsters Milwaukee’s injury-thinned rotation, aiming to sustain their division lead and playoff ambitions.
Wiemer, a promising but underperforming outfielder, and Junis, a multi-inning reliever, move to Cincinnati. The Reds, acknowledging their slim playoff chances, focus on the future by acquiring these assets. This strategic trade underscores both teams’ distinct goals as the season progresses.
Montas, once a standout pitcher, has seen his performance dip due to injuries and inconsistency. In 2021, he finished sixth in the AL Cy Young voting, boasting a 3.37 ERA, 207 strikeouts, and 4.0 WAR. However, since being traded to the Yankees in August 2022, Montas struggled, plagued by shoulder inflammation that required surgery in early 2023. This season, his numbers are less impressive with a 5.01 ERA and 4.91 FIP over 93.1 innings. His strikeout rate has dropped from 26.6% in 2021 to 19.0% this year, while his walk rate has risen from 7.1% to 10.0%.
The Brewers, however, are known for their ability to rehabilitate pitchers and find hidden value. Montas’ splitter has been effective this season, with opponents hitting just .219 against it. The team is hopeful that with adjustments to his pitch usage, Montas can return to form and provide stability to their rotation.
Wiemer, a fourth-round pick in 2020, had a tough stint with the Brewers, hitting only .204/.283/.362 last season. Despite his struggles at the plate, his defensive prowess kept him in the lineup. With the Reds, Wiemer will have the opportunity to reset and develop his potential.
Jakob Junis, a versatile reliever, has shown flashes of brilliance this season with a 2.42 ERA across 26 innings. The Reds plan to utilize Junis in their bullpen, hoping his experience and reliability can anchor their relief corps.
This trade signals the Reds’ shift towards building for the future while the Brewers focus on solidifying their rotation for a postseason push. Both teams have distinct strategies, reflecting their current standings and future aspirations. As the season progresses, the impact of this trade will unfold, showcasing the strategic maneuvers of both the Brewers and the Reds.
