Brewers Explore Trade Talks for Freddy Peralta Amid Contention Plans

The Milwaukee Brewers are preparing for a 2026 season in which they hope to contend for a National League Central title. While trading one of their top pitchers might seem counterintuitive, the organization believes it could remain competitive even if Freddy Peralta is moved.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Brewers have “cracked the door open” to trade discussions after receiving significant interest in Peralta from multiple teams. The front office sees the potential to bolster the roster through a trade return, possibly offsetting the loss of one of their most reliable starters.

Peralta has consistently been mentioned as a trade candidate this offseason, with teams like the Boston Red Sox reportedly exploring a potential deal. The Brewers’ willingness to consider offers underscores the premium they place on acquiring quality assets while balancing competitive goals.

With Peralta entering free agency after the 2026 season, the decision to trade him now could come down to a strategic choice: retain him long-term or leverage his market value to strengthen the roster in other areas.

1. Freddy Peralta’s Value

Freddy Peralta has established himself as one of the National League’s elite pitchers. In 2025, he earned his second career All-Star selection and finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting, compiling a 2.70 ERA with 204 strikeouts across 176.2 innings. Durability has been a hallmark of Peralta’s career. He made 33 starts in 2025, marking the third consecutive season with at least 30 starts, showcasing his reliability as a rotation anchor. Teams interested in Peralta see both his high ceiling and proven track record as valuable assets. His combination of strikeout ability, consistency, and postseason potential makes him an attractive option for clubs seeking to strengthen their pitching staff immediately. However, any trade would likely involve balancing short-term gains with the understanding that Peralta could be a one-year rental, as his free agency eligibility follows the 2026 season.

2. Trade Considerations and Market Interest

The Brewers’ willingness to explore trades reflects the realities of operating as a small-market team. While Peralta could serve as a long-term ace if re-signed, the franchise must weigh future planning against immediate roster improvement. A strong trade package could include prospects or major-league-ready talent, helping the Brewers remain competitive even without Peralta in the rotation. This approach aligns with the team’s history of balancing contention with long-term sustainability. Interest from teams such as the Red Sox highlights the national recognition of Peralta’s value. Any potential trade would require careful negotiation to ensure Milwaukee receives assets commensurate with the caliber of an All-Star starter. At this stage, trade talks are preliminary, with no guarantees that a deal will occur. The Brewers are carefully assessing the market while considering both competitive and financial factors.

3. Balancing Contention and Future Planning

Brewers fans would likely prefer a long-term contract extension to retain Peralta as a cornerstone of the rotation. In that scenario, he could serve as the team’s ace for years to come. However, the small-market context means the organization often prioritizes acquiring prospects or other assets to maintain long-term flexibility. Trading Peralta could provide resources to improve depth or address other roster needs. Regardless of the outcome, the decision underscores the tension between short-term contention and long-term planning. The Brewers must weigh the potential benefits of a trade against the loss of a proven frontline starter. As the offseason progresses, Milwaukee will continue evaluating offers, weighing market interest against the strategic value of retaining one of its top pitchers.