The New York Yankees could be on the verge of pulling off another massive trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, this time eyeing frontline starter Freddy Peralta.
This potential blockbuster follows a surprising preseason trade in which New York dealt veteran Nestor Cortes and rising prospect Caleb Durbin to the Brewers in exchange for All-Star closer Devin Williams. While Williams has yet to deliver the impact the Yankees hoped for in the Bronx, their interest in bolstering the pitching staff hasn’t cooled—especially with the postseason in sight.
With ace Gerrit Cole sidelined for the year and Luis Gil yet to make his 2025 debut, the Yankees’ rotation has taken a significant hit. Now, ESPN’s Buster Olney has floated a new trade concept that could give the Yankees the stability they desperately need.
“Freddy Peralta has been one of the league’s best starters this year, and he’s earning a very affordable $8 million this year, with Milwaukee holding an $8 million option for next season,” Olney wrote. “For the Yankees, he could be a bedrock behind Max Fried and Carlos Rodon. If Peralta stays healthy, his value will never be higher than it is now.”
Peralta has been sensational for Milwaukee, recording a sharp 2.18 ERA across his first eight starts of the season. This follows an impressive 2024 campaign, where he notched 200 strikeouts in 32 appearances. His consistency, durability, and cost-effectiveness make him a prime target for a Yankees team eager to rebound after a disappointing postseason finish last year.
The feasibility of this trade largely hinges on the Brewers’ performance in the coming months. Should Milwaukee fall out of playoff contention in the fiercely competitive National League, Peralta could become available. For the Yankees, acquiring such a high-caliber starter might be the key to reigniting their championship aspirations.
The potential deal signals the Yankees’ clear intent to remain aggressive and competitive as the midseason trade deadline looms. With the front office willing to leverage assets for elite pitching, the club appears poised to double down on its win-now strategy.
