The Reds and Brewers lined up on an intra-division trade Monday night. Cincinnati is reportedly sending right-hander Frankie Montas to Milwaukee for young outfielder Joey Wiemer, veteran right-hander Jakob Junis and cash.
Montas, 31, gives the Brewers a veteran arm to plug into a rotation that’s been decimated by injury, although the big right-hander isn’t having anywhere close to his best season. The longtime A’s hurler signed a one-year, $16MM contract after missing nearly the entire 2023 season due to shoulder surgery and hasn’t recaptured the form that established him as a quality big leaguer from 2019-22, when he logged 480 1/3 innings of 3.67 ERA ball with a 25.4% strikeout rate against a 7.2% walk rate.
Rather, the 2024 version of Montas is sitting on a 5.01 ERA with a diminished 19% strikeout rate against a 10% walk rate that stands as his worst since 2017. His 95.3 mph average fastball is down 1.5 mph from its 96.8 mph peak back in 2019, and Montas has seen a huge dip in swinging-strike rate, falling from a peak 13.7% to 10.4% this season.
It’s been an ugly season for Montas, but the Brewers also have a history of getting more out of pitchers than one would expect at first glance. They’ve gotten strong results from righties Colin Rea and Tobias Myers this season despite minimal to nonexistent track records from both. Milwaukee presumably has a plan to get Montas back into form, but it’s nevertheless a modest surprise to see them deal a former top prospect (Wiemer) within the division to effectively rent Montas for the final two months of the 2024 season.
That said, Wiemer’s inclusion in the deal speaks to the manner in which his stock has dropped over the past year-plus. Entering the 2023 season, he was regarded by some as one of the sport’s top-100 prospects. However, the 2020 fourth-rounder stumbled through his first taste of the majors last year, hitting just .204/.283/.362 in 410 plate appearances. Wiemer pounded 13 homers and swiped 11 bags but also struck out in just under 29% of his plate appearances. He’s also shown glaring platoon splits in limited big league action, slashing .263/.290/.481 against lefties but registering a woeful .169/.271/.281 slash against fellow righties. Wiemer’s power has been missing in action this season in Triple-A Nashville, where he’s hit .242/.387/.358 with only three homers in 253 plate appearances.
Wiemer’s platoon splits suggest that he could at the very least be a useful part-time player, and he’s also graded out exceptionally well in the outfield. In 1095 innings across all three outfield spots — primarily center — he’s been credited with six Defensive Runs Saved, seven Outs Above Average and a 5.8 Ultimate Zone Rating. Statcast pegged him in the 93rd percentile of MLB outfielders in terms of range and 96th percentile in terms of value generated with his arm.
If nothing else, Wiemer has the look of a short-side platoon fourth outfielder. He’s in the second of three option years and is under club control through at least the 2029 season. The Reds will hope there’s some more in the tank, but pulling a controllable MLB-ready outfielder — even one in the midst of a down season — in exchange for the rental of a struggling veteran starter had some understandable appeal for Cincinnati.
The Reds will also pick up their own veteran rental in the deal. The 31-year-old Junis is on a one-year, $7MM contract that contains a mutual option for the 2025 season. He’s spent most of the year on the injured list but returned in June and has a 2.42 ERA in 26 innings, working primarily as a long reliever. He’s fanned 18.8% of his opponents against a 5% walk rate. Had Junis been healthy this year, he might’ve gotten a look in the rotation, but the Brewers must not be bullish on his chances of holding up in that role. He hasn’t worked more than three innings since returning from the injured list.
Junis gives the Reds an experienced swingman who could potentially start some games or at least serve as a bulk option behind an opener. His inclusion in the swap also adds something of a financial counterweight; Montas is owed $4.7MM of his $14MM salary still, plus the $2MM buyout on a $20MM mutual option for next season. Junis is still owed $1.35MM of his $4MM salary plus a $3MM buyout on his $8MM mutual option. (Mutual options, it should be noted, are generally accounting measures and are almost never exercised; it’s been about a decade since the last time a player and team both agreed to exercise a mutual option.)
The Brewers are reportedly still sending about $1MM to the Reds in the deal to offset the gap in the option buyouts. In total, Milwaukee is taking on about $3.35MM in extra expenses in order to facilitate the trade.
Robert Murray of FanSided first reported the Brewers were acquiring Montas. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported Junis and Wiemer were headed back to Cincinnati. Feinsand reported the cash considerations.
Bet they didn’t give up near as much as the Astros gave to Toronto.
Still an overpay though
Didn’t give up anything at all.
Exactly! Junis and Wiemer aren’t exactly needle moving players here.
Uh, you got a guy with an ERA north of 5. No one else was even in the market for Montas, so giving away ANYTHING was an over pay
I read it as he was going to the Yankees and my heart exploded for only half a second
Reading is hard!
starfall.com/h/learn-to-read/
Good luck.
You read the “Milwaukee Yankers??”
How is this an upgrade for brewers?
Because our entire rotation is on the IL
Plus there are four superior young outfielders on the active roster, even with Yelich on the IL right now.
It’s not. Montas sucks.
This…Reds fan here. I am SHOCKED we got Wiemer for Montana’s let alone Junas
How is it not? They literally have like one man left standing in their rotation
They have five better pitchers than Montas right now because Montas is hot garbage.
The staff was better with Junis.
Junis era projects to go to the moon. Looking like a 4 era guy going forward unless the luck continues.
Still better, and cheaper, than Montas.
Advance analytics show Montas as a #4 starter. Should be starting playoff games for them.
If jordan Lyle’sable to make like 75 million off 12 brewer starts, montas can definitely flip a switch too.
The hell they do
Montas has been miserable this year. A waste of 15 Million dollars.
And yet he had a positive war. Granted not by much, but it’s still positive.
Positive WAR is nothing…it just means you are barely better than a AAA callup
Yes, a waste of money, like Martinez, Pagan and Candelario too.
Surprised Montas was dealt to a division rival though. But two players for basically addition by subtraction? I’ll take it and move on.
In division doesn’t matter when you are looking at a losing season and the players involved probably won’t be with either team long in the future.
You do realize at this point in the season they’d only be on the hook for less than half of that 15 mil?
Nope. Montas has $5.3 Million left on his contract for 2024. So, it was a waste of almost $10 M for the Reds and a waste of $5.3 million dollars for the Brewers. So as I stated, it’s a waste of $15Million. You were wrong, but thanks for playing.
Won’t be a waste for the Brewers. In a world where teams are massively overpaying for pitching they just got 1 by taking on his salary. And he will be good. Not Oakland good but good enough to have a rotation spot.
It’s amusing you can’t stay on one account
Never understood how he could take a no hitter into the seventh inning in one start and then give up 3-4 runs in the first inning the very next start. At least the Reds got some decent compensation for him. Was never a big fan of Montas and was hoping for a Lorenzen or Cueto reunion last winter.
Sure, they need more pitching.
But if Christian Yelich isn’t healthy they’re really patronizing their fans.
6 games up, august in two days, have to do something.
marrtho;
The young Brewers players are terrific. I enjoyed watching their games up until recently. Didn’t think they had enough established pitching to be realistic WS contenders, and thought the young position players need another year or two of experience at the ML level. But when Yelich went out it was as if someone let the air out of the balloon. He had such an impact hitting in that line-up (as well as on the way opposing pitchers attacked the 2 hitters in front and behind him).
The most important thing the Brewers can do this trade deadline is not to overreact. That young core can contend for the next 5 years if handled correctly, and if the FO continues to make smart moves.
Agreed, which is why I’ll take a change of scenery move over giving up multiple top 20 prospects for a flaherty, Fedde, etc.
It’s important to note that the Brewers have given Jake Bauers a tryout in the 3-4 spots in the batting order, and he hasn’t impressed. Which means we’re likely going to see a trade for a left-handed slugger.
Fedde wasn’t that steep.
0-4 tonight but last night mashed a dinger and a triple. I highly doubt they trade for a left handed slugger because whoever that might be would command a black, frelick or Mitchell return, which if so, they better hang up the phone. 6 or 7 games up with more home games remaining than away, ride with what you got and push your chips all in next year for a world series run
Correct. Cardinals got away with one there. Take out Fedde and put in Yusei.
Milwaukee should have been in on Bell and traded Hoskins.
I like bell, but Hoskins is heating up.
Exactly why it’s a great time to trade Hoskins and his iron glove. Crew need a left-handed bat. Especially with Yelich out.
Should have kept Santana around for another year (and less $$) instead of signing Hoskins in the first place.
Loved Santana on the team. Brewers hate consistency at 1B. Not sure what their deal is.
“It’s not about talent, it’s about people.”- Pat Murphy.
That should tell you all you need to know about the Counsell/Murphy ideology, mindset, and Brewer front office over the past 10 years. Or look at the pattern of who or the type of players that have been brought in versus the players shipped out.
Is this an upgrade for brewers?? Wtf
No but he has a pulse and at this point that’s probably all they are looking for
I want some of what the MIL FO has been smoking
Weak #4. I think he is good as Civale probably better.
So who do the reds replace him with
Probably Richardson for the time being until Williamson is healthy
I can’t find much on Williamsons timetable but I’m assuming he didn’t need surgery…
Junis or Martinez will probably slide into the starting role. Though I expect Martinez will be traded before the deadline. Junis was scheduled to be a starter at the beginning of the year. Though since he has come back in June he was a reliever for the Brewers. Though I could see the Reds stretching him back out to finish the year.
It sounds like the Brewers need starting pitchers. If Junis was viable as a starter why would they trade him?
For what they are paying Martinez, he should be moved into the rotation – assuming he’s still with the club in 24 hours. Nobody in AAA is ready to help at the moment.
Yeah I was looking at aaa and idk lol
Or Junis.
Lowder has been piling up some good starts lately at AA after his rough start. No need to rush him though. Maybe see him in Cincy sometime in 2025.
I know one forlorn CIN fan commenter on here will be happy to see Montas gone.
Maybe offer to drive him to the airport for free.
Montas has ability and a track record I think he is a good addition for MIL
Solid #3 (most days) plus it helps take innings away from your bullpen and other guys on roster can be used in different roles.
First year manager replacing Counsell has his team in a good situation to go far in playoffs. Play smart, timely hitting You never know.
Montas has a near 7 ERA over the past 2 months, a different team might get him back on track.
Wiemer is unused depth for Mil but Junis for Montas seems like a lateral move at best
Junis is a two-pitch pitcher. Montas has a starter’s arsenal that likely will be honed by Chris Hook.
Junis was really solid for Milwaukee. Surprised they dealt him. I bet he steps right into Cinci’s rotation.
Junis spent most of the year on the IL. If the Brewers thought he could start, they would have used him as a starter.
Must be some money going with Frankie. 2 major league ready dudes, although having a rough year…
This isn’t necessarily a stat-based comparison–but Wiemer to me is the current Brett Phillips. Had some hype, did very little when initially brought up, sent back down with the idea he’d figure it out but just hasn’t, and ultimately traded.
If he’s major league ready, he shouldn’t have been beaten out by Perkins. JMHO
“Current Brett Phillips”…Spot on. The times I’ve seen Joey Weimer play he struck me as a AAAA type player.
Seems a fair comparison. Montas isn’t moving the needle in his current state, but we need pitching. Front office holding tight to the prospects I guess. Flaherty should’ve been the target, but I’d imagine Frankie’s arsenal intrigued them.
Perkins should have been starting recently instead of riding the pine behind Frelick. Plus Frelick has no business batting in the middle of the order EVER.
Frelick is another “current Brett Phillips” candidate. He’s a 4th OF at best. But, Murphy and the FO love him.
The Brewers are sending cash to the Reds fwiw.
Amazed reds were able to convince anyone to take him
Getting anything in return is a huge win
Especially Wiemer I mean he was a top 100 prospect guy going into last year. Yes the last season and half have been rough but hopefully they can turn him around similar to Fraley and Benson in 2023
Wiemer is a native of Sylvania, Ohio, which is a suburb of Toledo.
He also attended the University of Cincinnati and still has a home in the city.
I was unaware of that fact. Which HS, Southview?
I get it for the Brewes they need pitching…and I get it for the Reds because I think they easily win this trade…just weird to see two teams in the same division…reds could easily still make the playoffs…make a trade like this…interesting
So the Brewers need pitching. So they trade a pitcher to get a pitcher who has worse stats.
“Brewers need pitching…has worse stats”…The Brewers do have some knowledge, expertise and experience assessing pitchers and clearly they prefer Montas over Junis. I tend to agree with the Brewers point of view, since just 3+ years ago Montas was a top of rotation guy with the Oakland A’s. Junis has never been that and I believe Milwaukee feels that the further away Montas gets from his recent Tommy John surgery, a return to TOR form could be in order. Some guys take a full 2 years to return to form from Tommy John surgery and I do think Montas has considerably more upside than does Jacob Junis. Plus, with the Brewers history of developing pitchers, if I’m a Brew Crew fan I’d tend to trust their judgment.
Nice summation mlb fan. Just seems like an odd thing to do now. Why risk trying Montas who so far this season is not doing much.
The Reds have zero chance at the playoffs.
interesting
as a Reds fan I like this trade
Dumpster divin’ Brewers at it again!
I know right..almost as predictable as reactions like yours.
I gotta say I am surprised at the return. I’ll give praise when it’s due. Way to go.
I like the trade as well. Montas was a great roll of the dice by the Reds. While it didn’t pan out 16m for a year is about 5 bucks in baseball money. The fact that the reds pickup two big league ready players makes the payoff better.
Good luck Frankie (just not against the Reds in the playoffs)
Yes, I know it’s wishful thinking.
You may think otherwise after seeing wiemer try to hit the ball.
“Try to hit the ball”..You are correct, sir. Joey Weimer’s not a Major League caliber player in my honest opinion.
Are the Giants waiting til all tradeable pitchers are off the market to pounce to deal from surplus
Definitely an interesting trade for the Reds. I figured Montas may have been headed to the Orioles. Still think the Reds have several more moves to make. I almost feel like they may be buyers and sellers depending on the player(s) involved.
Let’s hope on the buyers and sellers, but I suspect just sellers.
I think the Red’s will stil move a couple of relievers. Martinez, Farmer, Sims and maybe even Alex Diaz (although,
I don’t think it’s likely).
It’s a hard spot to be in. Montas I felt would go but I am not sure that there is enough value to be had from the bullpen guys to let them go. The Reds system is deep and I don’t think we would get much more than lottery tickets for any of the relievers. I say keep the rest and go for it
PS
I am assuming the giants are waiting on Christmas.
I’m still waiting for Harris to pull the trigger on trading Flaherty. Guess he learned this in San Francisco. If Flaherty starts tonight’s game a Tiger (without signing an extension), Harris should be fired.
This is not the level of starting pitcher the Brewers need. As always, their cheapness keeps them from making the type of deadline deal that would lead to success. Same old story and typical Brewers.
“Their cheapness keeps them from making”…For most teams the reticence or reluctance to pull off huge trade deadline deals is more about protecting, valuing and acquiring cheap future assets/prospects than it is about spending or not spending any certain amount of dollars.
Guys a #4. Brewers make some adjustments or even just change his mix maybe he is a 3. It’s in him.
Wiemer changed his swing over the off-season, and his monthly splits possibly show a player that took awhile to adapt to said swing change.
The big power hasn’t come back in Nashville yet, but he’s been an absolute heater for a month+.
Could be exciting in Great American Smallpark
Too bad Frankie didn’t go to Hollywood…
He says relax, he’ll get there eventually. Needs that deferred money for retirement.
Are the Brewers finished dealing? Do the Brewers have any chance of getting Flaherty too?
They don’t usually make big prospect heavy trades. But they will take what falls in their lap.
They might try to add one more reliever because of all the bullpen injuries. But their focus today is on adding a left-handed slugger to hopefully replace Jake Bauers.
A++++ to the moon for Milwaukee. Just unloaded their trash and got a starter. A good #4 starter as is. Milwaukee will get the best out of him.
Pure salary dump for Reds. Montas is going to be solid but maybe Milwaukee and myself are the only ones who see it. Junis era is going to the moon but can be passable enough and eat innings and maybe they get extremely lucky and hang in race.
I just don’t see the added value in Montas over Junis. Jacob is about 6 months older than Frankie, but Montas has only 7 more career starts than Junis (118 to 111) Junis’ career ERA is higher than Montas’ (4.56-4.05) but their records are very similar (Montas 41W&43L to Junis 42W&45L). How much more Frankie has in the tank after only pitching a few innings last year would concern me. I kind of like seeing a trade between divisioal foes and this trade could be a win-win deal.
Junis has been extremely lucky so far this year.
Montas has been extremely inconsistent. Brewers seen something and have a fix. They know what they are doing. Just changing his mix will improve him.
Difference is in a critical game Montas best is better than Junis best. If they make the playoffs and Montas doesn’t have it they can pull him early. If he does have it he can go 6 or 7 innings 2 or 3 hits.
The difference is Junis is a two-pitch pitcher and Montas has a starter’s arsenal, including a SPLITTER, which the Brewers love. Montas will induce ground balls to that three-shortstop infield.
He’s an innings eater but mediocre at best. Good riddance
Innings eater? He is typically 4 and done.
The Reds overpaid for Montas over the off-season. I didn’t exactly understand this signing – still don’t. At least Montas pitched one hell of an opening day for us maybe he will be good under pressure for the Brewers in the playoffs.
It is called being cheap and having no real plan for roster construction. Spending SOME money on someone you HOPE will help versus spending the going rate for someone you KNOW will help.
That has been this front office’s MO since put into place.
To add to the part that never got saved…smart trades to add needed pieces and building a solid bullpen really doesn’t cost a ton of money. Yet it doesn’t happen here.
I’d have rather had Kikuchi, but when I saw what it took to get him it makes me love this deal.
The Brewers are incentivized to make bigger deals today by Jackson Chourio’s recent coming of age. I could see them dangling their No. 3 prospect, Tyler Black, today and possibly their No. 2 prospect, Jacob Misiorowski, if they believe Misiorowski can’t cut it as a starting pitcher. Black doesn’t have the slugging ability they need and would be playing first base for them right now if they thought he could make a difference.
Wiemer’s hit tool will never hold up In the bigs. The brewers held too long but they sold before he had no value.
The difference is, the Milwaukee Brewers have the intent to win, and the Reds have the intent to shed payroll. The Milwaukee Brewers have a plan and the Cincinnati Reds do not.
Take of the day!
No one could have planned on the amount of injuries the Reds have experienced. We were well positioned to compete this year until it happened. McLain and CES being out killed that.
If you were relying on 2 guys that hadn’t even had a full season under their belts to lead this club it was wishful thinking on your part. The Reds throw it on the wall to seen what sticks. They shuffle triple A players back and forth badk and forth. Two young players weren’t going to change the organizations lack of a plan and lack of intent to win. This organization does not care about you or any other fan, they care about making money.
Now that Wiemer is gone, who are the Brewer fans going to hate, beside Yelich
I didn’t realize people hated Wiemer.
I thought it was a tradition to hate whoever they signed from the bargain bin (and, this year, Hoskins) every off-season to plug in at 1B/DH/Utility OF’er.
Janis has a better War and better career numbers than montas. Let’s throw in wiemer too… Smh