The Milwaukee Brewers are gearing up for their playoff run, yet uncertainty looms over which veteran players will remain on the roster next season. As a team ranked twentieth in Major League Baseball in payroll size, the Brewers generally avoid pursuing high-profile free agents. Instead, they have made a habit of trading established stars with limited contract control before those players reach free agency.

Freddy Peralta Emerges as a Likely Trade Candidate This Offseason

Starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, who signed a favorable extension with the Brewers that includes a club option, is expected to earn around $8 million next season. Despite this team-friendly contract, Peralta approaches free agency prior to his age-31 season, an opportunity that would likely attract significant trade interest. Jon Heyman of the New York Post labeled Peralta as a leading candidate to be traded in the offseason, emphasizing that Milwaukee might prefer to trade him now rather than engage in costly free agency negotiations later.

He’s got a year before free agency, when he’ll get expensive for Milwaukee,

—Jon Heyman, New York Post

Peralta, a two-time All-Star, has enjoyed a standout season with career-best numbers, including 15 wins and a bWAR of 4.1. If his current ERA of 2.78 holds, it would mark his personal best. As the postseason approaches, Peralta is expected to start Game One of the National League Division Series, with the Brewers likely earning a first-round bye. However, the pressure surrounding this playoff run intensifies, especially with Peralta understanding his future with the team may be limited.

Past Trends Suggest Peralta Could Be Next in a Series of Trades

In recent years, the Brewers have traded prominent pitchers ahead of their free agency, including Corbin Burnes and Devin Williams, both moved with only one year left of team control. This pattern strengthens speculation that Peralta might also be the next major player to be traded before reaching free agency.

Implications of a Potential Trade for the Brewers’ Future

Trading Freddy Peralta could help the Brewers secure valuable assets ahead of his expensive free agency, preserving financial flexibility while replenishing their roster. However, such a move would also mean losing a key contributor just as the team prepares for a crucial playoff push. The decisions made in the coming offseason will shape Milwaukee’s competitiveness and payroll management strategy moving forward.