The Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds have reportedly struck a rare inter-divisional trade that will send starting pitcher Frankie Montas to the Brewers in exchange for two MLB-caliber players. This deal, first reported by Mark Feinsand, has been confirmed by numerous other sources.
According to Feinsand, the Brewers are sending outfielder Joey Wiemer and pitcher Jakob Junis to the Reds in exchange for Frankie Montas. Wiemer has spent most of the season in Triple-A due to limited MLB playing time, while Junis, a free agent signing, missed a significant portion of the season with an injury. Montas, on the other hand, has made 19 starts for Cincinnati, posting a 5.01 ERA.
Contract Situations for All Players
The Reds will receive $1 million from the Brewers, with the potential to control Jakob Junis through the 2025 season with an $8 million mutual option, and control of Joey Wiemer through the 2028 season. Milwaukee is paying $1 million for Montas and will likely decline his $20 million mutual option for the 2025 season.
Did the Milwaukee Brewers Overpay for Frankie Montas?
At first glance, this trade seems like an overpay for the Brewers. They are acquiring Frankie Montas, who has an elevated ERA this year, for two months. In contrast, the Reds may get one year and two months of Jakob Junis and multiple years of Joey Wiemer. However, acquiring starting pitching was a must for Milwaukee at this year’s trade deadline. The cost of obtaining Montas meant giving up Junis, who was providing value to the MLB club, and Wiemer, who was blocked from big league playing time.
While the deal appears more beneficial for the Reds in the long term, the Brewers addressed their immediate need for starting pitching, showcasing their commitment to making a strong playoff push.
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