Brewers hoping trade with Reds provides rotation upgrade

The Milwaukee Brewers have now attempted to improve their rotation three times this year.

The Brewers acquired former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel from the Mariners for cash considerations at the end of June. He made four underwhelming starts in Milwaukee, posting a 5.40 ERA and a 1.860 WHIP over his 16 innings, striking out 11 batters with eight walks. Keuchel was designated for assignment on July 14 and subsequently released.

Aaron Civale was next, acquired from the Rays on July 3. He has been somewhat better than Keuchel, posting a 4.29 ERA and a 1.429 WHiP over his 21 innings covering four starts, striking out 21 batters with nine walks. Civale has also allowed five home runs in that time, hardly what the Brewers were hoping for.

Another trade for a starting pitcher was made ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Brewers acquired Frankie Montas from the Reds on Monday. Mark Feinsand from MLB.com reported that outfielder Joey Weimer and pitcher Jakob Junis are heading to Cincinnati in return.

Montas has had an up-and-down 2024 season. He had posted a 5.01 ERA and a 1.436 WHiP in his 93.1 innings with the Reds, striking out 78 batters with 41 walks. Montas has particularly struggled over his last three outings, allowing 16 runs on 24 hits and eight walks in 16 innings.

The Brewers need to find someone who can take the ball every fifth day in the back of the rotation. Freddy Peralta and rookie Tobias Myers have been solid this season. The well-traveled Colin Rea is in the midst of a career year. The Brewers just need Montas to perform to his career norms as they look to hold on to a playoff berth.

They're hoping the third time is the charm and that Montas can fortify the starting rotation.