With their rotation crumbling and World Series hopes hanging by a thread, the New York Yankees are reportedly preparing to make one of the most aggressive midseason trades in recent memory—targeting Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta in a blockbuster deal that could exceed $110 million in long-term value.
The bombshell prediction came from BALLCAP Sports’ Jim Riley, who revealed on YouTube that the Yankees are “desperate” to reinforce their pitching arsenal following the devastating Tommy John surgery to Gerrit Cole and a lengthy IL stint for Luis Gil. “The plan when they signed Max Fried was to have a lefty and a righty at the top of the rotation,” said Riley. “Freddy Peralta, I think, would be the piece.”
Peralta, a 2021 All-Star with a 2.55 ERA this season, has not only proven his durability with back-to-back 30+ start campaigns but also continues to showcase elite-level stuff that could thrive under the pressure of October baseball. His current contract includes an $8 million club option, but insiders say he’s destined for a five-year, $110 million payday in free agency.
The Yankees, however, might not be alone in the chase. Riley identified the Cleveland Guardians and San Diego Padres as potential suitors, though he emphasized that New York’s farm system depth could give them a competitive edge. “If the Brewers are selling, the Yankees are buying—hard,” Riley added.
What makes this rumor more than speculation is the Yankees’ history of bold moves under GM Brian Cashman, who has never shied away from high-stakes trades when October contention is in sight. With the Los Angeles Dodgers boasting one of MLB’s deepest rotations, the pressure is on to build a staff that can go pitch-for-pitch in a potential Fall Classic rematch.
If Cashman can pull it off, Freddy Peralta could be the secret weapon New York needs—not just to survive the regular season—but to dominate in October.
