Early Brewers 2025 trade deadline predictions

As we move toward the MLB trade deadline, the Milwaukee Brewers find themselves at the heart of the rumor mill.

Set for July 31st at 6 p.m. EST, the deadline marks the final opportunity for teams to bolster their rosters — or trim them down — before the final stretch run of the season. And for the Brewers, the coming weeks could define the rest of their season. Will they emerge as aggressive buyers aiming to fortify their playoff hopes, or pivot to sellers in prioritization of a long-term success? That remains to be seen.

What hasn’t changed, however, are the names swirling around in trade talks. Whether Milwaukee is looking to add or subtract, the rumor landscape has been consistent. Buried within the whispers and speculation are some bold and baffling scenarios. We'll break down a few daring outcomes that just might make sense — and one rumor that deserves to be shut down immediately.

Early Brewers trade deadline predictions

Brewers swing big for Bo Bichette

On the surface, a Bo Bichette trade to Milwaukee feels like a long shot. But dig a little deeper, and it makes more sense than anticipated.

The Brewers’ infield has been in constant flux this season, with shortstop emerging as a glaring weak spot. Joey Ortiz, despite flashes of promise, has struggled to gain a foothold — and his bat hasn’t helped his case, slashing just .181/.256/.241 with minimal production. If Milwaukee decides to buy at the deadline, upgrading at shortstop should sit at the top of their list.

The writing appears to be on the wall in Toronto. The Blue Jays haven’t made progress on a long-term extension, and allowing Bichette to walk after 2025 without a return would be a massive organizational failure. With a current slash line of .270/.316/.427, eight home runs, and 37 RBIs, the 27-year-old represents a clear and immediate upgrade. 

Make no mistake — Bichette wouldn’t come cheap. But the Brewers boast a deep enough farm system to craft a deal without sacrificing their elite-tier talent. It would be bold. It would be expensive. But it just might be the swing-for-the-fences move that elevates Milwaukee from playoff hopeful to legitimate postseason threat.

Rhys Hoskins to the Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are scrambling for stability at first base — and so far, the answers haven’t come from within. They've experimented with players learning the position on the fly, patching the hole as best they can. But with Triston Casas ruled out for the season and questions lingering about his availability for Opening Day 2026, Boston’s urgency is only growing.

That’s where Brewers slugger Rhys Hoskins comes in, who, in the midst of a bounce-back season, checks nearly every box for the Red Sox. He’s a proven right-handed bat with postseason experience, and his contract structure makes him an intriguing deadline target. If Boston is willing to absorb the remainder of his salary and send Milwaukee a package of cost-controlled players with upside, this could be a classic win-win — the kind of long-term value trade Brewers GM Matt Arnold has mastered in recent years.

Hoskins would give the Red Sox a legitimate power presence for the playoff push, with the added bonus of a mutual option for 2026 if things click. Whether Boston views him as a stopgap or something more, this deal has the potential to be one of the more impactful moves of the deadline.

Freddy Peralta isn’t going anywhere

No matter how the Brewers approach the trade deadline — as buyers or sellers — Freddy Peralta isn’t going anywhere without a blockbuster offer. Milwaukee’s front office is expected to pick up Peralta’s affordable $8 million club option for the 2026 season, keeping their ace firmly in place.

Peralta’s presence provides stability and leadership in a rotation with young talent like Logan Henderson and Jacob Misiorowski waiting in the wings. As the Brewers cultivate their next wave of arms, Peralta will be the steady veteran to lead the charge, anchoring the pitching staff through the transition.

Looking beyond this season, Milwaukee’s outlook remains bright. With Peralta locked in as a cornerstone, the Brewers can confidently enter 2026 as serious contenders. And it’s his arm and veteran savvy that will play a pivotal role in making that future a reality.

Say goodbye to Aaron Civale, José Quintana, or Nestor Cortes

The Brewers’ rotation could be in for a reshuffle — and don’t be surprised if one or two of these veteran arms are on the move by the trade deadline.

While Nestor Cortes is unlikely to be dealt due to his injury and midseason return timeline, he represents a clear “sell low” situation Milwaukee will likely avoid. That leaves Aaron Civale and José Quintana as more realistic trade chips. Civale still holds solid value, but it’s Quintana’s recent postseason experience that could draw the most interest from contenders seeking a reliable arm for October.

With highly touted prospects inching closer to MLB readiness, the Brewers have the internal depth to absorb the loss. Whether those arms contribute down the stretch this year or start 2026 in the rotation, Milwaukee appears ready to pivot toward a younger core.

The clock is ticking on short-term veterans in the Brewers’ clubhouse — and the deadline could accelerate that transition.

As the trade deadline looms, the Brewers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads — balancing the urgency of the present with the promise of the future. Whether they make a bold splash, offload veterans, or quietly retool, one thing is certain: Milwaukee will be positioning itself with intention.