Why Brewers May Trade All-Star Freddy Peralta After NLCS

The Milwaukee Brewers’ 2025 season ended abruptly after the Los Angeles Dodgers swept them in the NLCS. That 5-1 Game 4 loss stung.

Now, with the offseason underway, the franchise faces a huge decision: should they trade star pitcher Freddy Peralta before his contract’s final year? This choice could shape the team’s long-term outlook and their chances to stay among the National League’s best.

Freddy Peralta’s Future at the Center of Brewers’ Offseason Strategy

Peralta’s 2025 performance made it clear—he’s one of MLB’s top starters. The 29-year-old righty finished with a 17-6 record and a sharp 2.70 ERA, earning his second All-Star nod.

Milwaukee holds an $8 million team option for 2026, so they technically control his future beyond next season. Even so, the front office is weighing a trade as market demand for pitchers surges.

Why the Trade Talk Is Heating Up

The Brewers find themselves in a tricky spot. They can easily afford Peralta’s salary, but uncertainty about re-signing him after his walk year makes him a hot commodity.

This offseason’s free-agent pitching market looks weak, which only boosts Peralta’s appeal. He’s made 30 starts in each of the last three seasons—durability that teams crave these days.

A Familiar Dilemma for Milwaukee Leadership

This isn’t new territory for the Brewers. In recent years, they’ve traded away big arms like Corbin Burnes and Devin Williams but kept Willy Adames through his final season before free agency.

The front office has to juggle short-term goals with the bigger picture, and that’s never easy.

Financial Constraints and Ownership Philosophy

Even after a franchise-record 97 wins in 2025, the Brewers ran a bottom-third payroll. Owner Mark Attanasio hasn’t shown much appetite for big spending, so trades often become the go-to move for improving the roster.

Rhys Hoskins’ contract is up, giving the team some financial breathing room. Still, that doesn’t guarantee a spending spree is coming.

Impact on the Rotation and Roster Composition

If they keep Peralta, he’ll be expected to lead a rotation in flux. Veterans José Quintana and Brandon Woodruff likely won’t return, which opens the door for young arms like Jacob Misiorowski and Robert Gasser.

Peralta’s leadership could mean a lot for these pitchers stepping up for the first time. There’s real value in having a steady veteran around.

Trade Leverage and Potential Returns

The Brewers’ strong farm system and payroll flexibility put them in a good spot for trade talks. Teams desperate for pitching might offer high-end prospects or MLB-ready players.

Landing the right package could boost Milwaukee’s depth and keep them competitive, even if Peralta goes.

Key Factors in the Decision

Milwaukee’s front office has a lot to consider:

• Competitive Window: Can the Brewers stay in the title hunt without Peralta?
• Market Value: Is his trade value at its highest with a weak free-agent market?
• Contract Flexibility: Does that $8 million option for 2026 make him more valuable to keep?
• Leadership Role: How much does his presence help the young pitchers?

Balancing Present and Future

Trading Peralta could strengthen the Brewers’ pipeline for years, but it might hurt their shot at another postseason run. Keeping him would show the team’s going all-in for 2026, but there’s always the risk of losing him for nothing in free agency.

Final Thoughts on Milwaukee’s Offseason Outlook

The Brewers just wrapped up a remarkable 2025 season. They did it by building their roster smartly and developing players who stepped up when it mattered.

Now the offseason arrives, and things get complicated. Peralta’s situation really shows the tough choices small-market teams face every winter — do you keep your ace, or trade him at the right moment for a possible big return?

General manager Matt Arnold will probably look at every option. Each move could shape the Brewers’ future for a long time.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Why Milwaukee Brewers will consider trading All-Star pitcher Freddy Peralta after NLCS defeat