As the MLB trade deadline looms, the New York Yankees appear to be brewing something huge—perhaps the kind of move that would send shockwaves across the league. With ace Gerrit Cole sidelined, the Yankees are reportedly targeting none other than Milwaukee Brewers’ fireballer Freddy Peralta, one of the most dominant arms in baseball. Could the $22 million man be Bronx-bound?
The Yankees, sitting in prime playoff position but desperate for rotation reinforcement, know the stakes. Their championship window is now, and the clock is ticking.
One name won’t go away: Freddy Peralta. The 28-year-old righty boasts a lethal mix of velocity and command, sporting a razor-sharp 2.69 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 77 innings. He’s on a team-friendly six-year, $22 million contract—a bargain in today’s pitching market. That deal has made him even more appealing, especially to a team like New York looking to maximize value while spending big.
“Potentially the best player who could land on the trade market out of the NL Central this season is Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta,” analyst Zach Pressnell wrote. “The Brewers are no strangers to trading away their top talent before they lose them in free agency. We could see the exact same thing with Peralta this season.”
The Brewers, while still in the playoff hunt, are only 5.5 games behind the division-leading Chicago Cubs. They’re 36-32, but if that margin widens, it’s entirely possible they’ll look to offload valuable assets—Peralta chief among them. Financial flexibility is always on Milwaukee’s mind, and moving Peralta could align with that long-term thinking.
Would They Really Let Him Go?
Not so fast. Others are skeptical that Milwaukee would entertain a deal without a major return.
“Freddy Peralta isn’t going anywhere,” declared Tremayne Person. “No matter how the Brewers approach the trade deadline — as buyers or sellers — Freddy Peralta isn’t going anywhere without a blockbuster offer.”
Indeed, the Brewers are expected to exercise Peralta’s affordable $8 million club option for 2026, which could make them reluctant to give up their ace unless a team like the Yankees overwhelms them with talent.
And overwhelming is exactly what New York may need to do.
According to Kristie Ackert of Athlon Sports, the Yankees have received trade inquiries about George Lombard Jr., their top infield prospect and 2023 first-round pick.
“The 2023 first-round pick just turned 20 and is already at Double-A Somerset. His glove and speed have held up, but the bat is catching up—he hit just .200 in his first 29 games at the level, though his .344 OBP suggests growth,” she explained. “Opposing teams keep asking about him in trade talks, but the Yankees see a long-term piece.”
Would the Yankees be willing to part with one of their most promising young talents to chase a title this year? It’s the million-dollar question.
While no deal is imminent, the pieces are aligning for a potential blockbuster. With Aaron Boone under pressure to deliver results and Aaron Judge still in his prime, the front office knows this could be the time to go all-in.
Stay tuned—if Brian Cashman pulls the trigger, this could be the trade of the season.
