Padres need to drum up a trade for MLB’s most under-the-radar ace this offseason

Another one of MLB’s top-tier starting pitchers is being surrounded by trade rumors, as it was reported that the Milwaukee Brewers are looking to shop Freddy Peralta this offseason.

Peralta, 29, is set to have his $8 million club option picked up, which would be the final year of his contract. When he hits the open market in 2027, he will be due for a long-term contract worth more than $30 million per year.

Padres should swing a deal for Freddy Peralta

Peralta signed a five-year extension worth $15.5 million in 2020, which helped the Brewers avoid letting him hit arbitration.

The Brewers don’t build their roster through spending but through the minor league system, and they tend to stay away from opening the checkbook for free agents. So, a trade for Peralta seems evident as the franchise looks to bring in more prospects to develop. 

It is without question that the league’s big market teams will be on the phone with the Brewers’ front office. One team to watch in particular is the San Diego Padres. A.J. Preller has made it clear that starting pitching will be the top priority this offseason, and they will have plenty of money available to use on a club option.

Fast forward to 2027, and they will have $90 million in available payroll — more than enough to give Peralta what he wants and then some.

In 2025, Peralta put up the most productive season of his career, posting a 2.70 ERA with a 5.5 WAR. When pitching with a home-field advantage, he was lights out, putting up a 1.77 ERA. Imagine what he would be able to do at home in Petco Park with the Friar Faithful rallying around him — he could be great.

One other attribute of Peralta’s game is that he can execute three different pitches flawlessly. He ranks in the top 16% for fastball, breaking, and offspeed pitch run value. He does an exceptional job of keeping hitters guessing, which makes him incredibly valuable.

While Preller would love to make the move for Peralta, the team doesn’t have the farm system it once did pre trade deadline, so the offer on the table would have to be incredibly enticing to make it happen.