MLB Insider already peddling doomsday offseason Brewers trade speculation

After the Milwaukee Brewers got off to a slow start to the 2025 season, MLB Insiders tabbed starting pitcher Freddy Peralta as a trade candidate this year, citing the Brewers getting a maximum return as one reason why they should trade him with around 1.5 years of team control remaining.

The trade deadline has since past, Peralta is still a Brewer, and Milwaukee has the best record in baseball. Peralta has played a key role in their success not only this year, but for several seasons, with durability being one of his greatest assets as he has not missed a turn through the rotation since 2022.

Despite the Brewers success, they have a reputation of trading players, especially pitchers, before they reach free agency and go to the highest bidder. Josh Hader, Corbin Burnes, and Devin Williams all met that fate. Shortstop Willy Adames, as highlighted is not a pitcher, broke that trend as he played out his contract with Milwaukee.

With 2026 being Peralta's last season under contract, there is a looming question as to which way Milwaukee might go with their current ace. MLB Insider Jon Heyman has already started to stir that pot by already signaling that Peralta will be on the trade block.

Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta already being highlighted as an offseason trade candidate

Earlier this year, we looked into if the Brewers could afford another Peralta contract extension. At best, we identified $20 million a year over six years as the lowest a deal could look like, which places on the odds of Milwaukee doing this as very slim to none; therefore Heyman's thought on trading Peralta this winter, when the clubhouse won't be disturbed mid-season, makes sense.

Where Heyman’s reasoning falls short is in his suggestion that Milwaukee should trade Peralta simply to get something in return. Like Willy Adames, Peralta is likely to receive a qualifying offer, decline it, and command a significant contract in free agency, one that would qualify the Brewers for a compensation pick in the MLB Draft. That pick carries real value, giving the organization another chance to add an impact player to its farm system that is already loaded with talent or leverage that trade-able pick in a deal, much like they did in order to acquire Quinn Priester.

The Brewers’ recent success has been driven by their consistent ability to develop and integrate young, hungry, and cost-effective talent. Whether they choose to trade Peralta this offseason or let him walk in free agency, his eventual departure will still yield value, either through prospect return or draft compensation. In either case, it provides Milwaukee with the resources to maintain a strong, competitive organization built for long-term success.