Brewers really could put a stop to all of this and say that he's coming back next season and for the foreseeable future. They could provide him with a deal and dollar amount that he wants. But at what cost, though, to the overall payroll?
The Milwaukee Brewers can simply put these Freddy Peralta trade rumors to rest by stating very plainly that they're going to keep him for a long time to come.
Of course, Peralta has one more year on his current deal with the team. He's more than likely going to walk after the 2026 season and, if the Brewers don't trade him, then they'll be left holding an empty bag.
But why won't the Brewers simply state that they're going to keep Peralta and sign him to a new deal? Maybe it's because they cannot afford what Peralta might be looking for in the free agent market.
Still, the Brewers are looking to stay in contention for another appearance in the National League Championship Series and, hopefully, reach the World Series.
Peralta has proven to be the ace of the Milwaukee pitching staff. He's simply been awesome and seeing him go would be a big blow to Brewers manager Pat Murphy's pitching rotation.
Back in November, The Athletic had a lengthy article on a number of trade options that the Brewers might consider. One of those involved the New York Mets. In the article, The Athletic pondered a trade involving Peralta to the Mets in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat and infielder/outfielder Luisangel Acuña.
"The Mets could offer Sproat, who reached the big leagues at the end of the 2025 season and is one of their top pitching prospects," according to the article.
"In Triple A this past season, he went 8-6 with a 4.24 ERA over 121 innings, striking out 115 but walking 53," the article continued. "He has a 96-98 mph fastball with a plus sweeper and a developing changeup. He needs to work on control and command, but profiles as a solid mid-rotation starter who has potential upside greater than that if he can sharpen his command.
"Acuña, the younger brother of Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña, can play second base or shortstop," according to the article from The Athletic. "The 23-year-old batted .234 in 175 at-bats in the majors for the Mets last year.
"However, at Triple-A Syracuse, he slashed .303/.347/.385 in 109 at-bats," the article continues. "He could compete with (Joey) Ortiz for playing time at shortstop or be used as a super-utility player (he can also play in the outfield).
"He doesn’t have his brother’s tools, but if given an opportunity and consistent at-bats, he could bring value thanks to his above-average speed, ability to hit for average and versatility," according to the article.
Oritz did play in the Venezuelan Winter League, which would give him at-bats and time to work on his overall mechanics.
Whether the Brewers and Mets eventually do a deal is up in the air.
But Milwaukee needs a starting pitcher like Peralta in its rotation. He's a catalyst, a main cog that keeps the Brewers' starters on track.
Not making some type of solid contract offer to Peralta would be a slap in the face to Brewers fans, it seems. Yet they might understand that the ballclub keeps a close tab on its payroll, a bit more than other MLB clubs do these days.
What to do about Peralta, what to do...it's going to be something that will play out throughout the 2026 season if there's not a resolution.