Right‑handed starter Freddy Peralta has been identified as an ideal trade target for the Atlanta Braves.
The Atlanta Braves have checked off nearly every box on their offseason wish list, adding bullpen reinforcements in Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias, securing shortstop Ha-Seong Kim and bolstering lineup flexibility with Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dubon. Yet despite those moves, one glaring need remains: a frontline starting pitcher.
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman recently identified Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta as the “more likely option” among trade candidates who could fill that void.
That assessment has fueled speculation that Atlanta may be positioning itself for a significant rotation upgrade before spring training.
Peralta is coming off a career year in 2025, posting a 17–6 record with a 2.70 ERA across 33 starts. The 29-year-old struck out 204 batters, marking his third straight 200-strikeout season, and logged nearly 177 innings while maintaining a 1.08 WHIP. His consistency has been a hallmark for Milwaukee, as he has delivered three consecutive seasons of 30-plus starts.
The contract situation makes him even more appealing. Peralta is entering the final guaranteed year of his deal, with the Brewers exercising an $8 million club option for 2026.
That figure is remarkably affordable for a pitcher of his caliber, positioning him as one of the most attractive trade chips on the market. For a team like Atlanta, which has championship aspirations but lingering rotation health concerns, the fit is obvious.
The Braves’ current rotation features Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and Reynaldo Lopez, with depth options like Hurston Waldrep and Bryce Elder. While talented, this group carries injury risk.
Sale has battled durability issues, Lopez is transitioning back to starting, and several young arms are coming off surgeries. Adding Peralta would provide stability and frontline insurance, ensuring Atlanta does not face the same rotation attrition that derailed past seasons.
Of course, acquiring Peralta would not come at a cheap price. The Brewers are expected to seek a strong prospect package, and Atlanta would likely need to part with one of its promising young pitchers or a position player prospect. But given the Braves’ recent struggles to keep their rotation intact, the cost may be justified.
Bowman’s note that Peralta is the “more likely option” underscores the growing sense that Atlanta could make a bold move. If president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos decides to pull the trigger, Peralta’s arrival could transform an already strong roster into one of the most complete teams in baseball heading into 2026.