If the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, or Baltimore Orioles want to get an ace pitcher for their rotation this winter, rumors continue to grow that the Milwaukee Brewers will move All-Star Freddy Peralta in the next few months.
The Mets, Padres, and Orioles all have strong cores and All-Star-level talent in their batting orders. It wasn’t enough to get New York or Baltimore to the postseason this year because obvious weaknesses in their rotations, especially at the top, became apparent in 2025.
The Padres had strong starting pitching, but they are likely to lose both Michael King and Dylan Cease in free agency this winter. It means all three clubs will be looking to add pitchers — preferably an ace — at an affordable rate. Well, a perfect option will be available.
Freddy Peralta stats: 17-6 record, 2.70 ERA, 1.075 WHIP, 204 SO, 66 BB
Last week, The Athletic’s Andy McCullough reported that “the Brewers are expected to at least field offers for starting pitcher Freddy Peralta.” “At least” makes it seem like Milwaukee will listen, but with a half-hearted effort to actually move their ace.
However, according to Brewers beat reporter Curt Hogg, it is almost a near certainty that Peralta will be playing elsewhere next season. “Odds are Freddy Peralta could be moved this offseason,” Hogg told the Foul Territory podcast after he said industry sources gave him the impression to expect a trade this winter.
Why the Freddy Peralta option is big news for the Mets, Orioles, and Padres
That is massive news for the Mets, Orioles, and Padres. Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal could be available this winter as well. However, he will just be a rental because his agent, Scott Boras, plans to take him into 2026 free agency to make him the highest-paid pitcher of all time. Plus, his salary will go above $20 million for this season after he goes through arbitration, and it will take a king’s ransom to get him in a trade.
Peralta is certainly not as good as Skubal. However, he is a two-time All-Star who is a legitimate ace in the league. Furthermore, he won’t cost anywhere as much in a trade, and while he is also a rental, he is locked into a bargain rate $8 million salary next season. All three clubs are sure to check in about trades this winter.
