As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees find themselves in a familiar position: hunting for pitching reinforcements with October in mind.
Despite leading the American League standings and nearing the return of ace Gerrit Cole, the Yankees know that a deep playoff run requires more than just one healthy arm. One name gaining serious traction in trade circles is Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta.
Peralta, known for his electric fastball and high strikeout rate, signed a five-year, $15.5 million deal in 2020 that keeps him under team control through 2025, with a club option for 2026 at just $8 million. In a league where frontline starters often command upwards of $20 million per year, Peralta’s contract is seen as a rare bargain-making him one of the most attractive potential trade pieces on the market.
Although Milwaukee hasn’t officially made him available, insiders believe they may entertain offers, especially considering their past willingness to trade top arms like Josh Hader, Corbin Burnes, and Devin Williams.
The Brewers are teetering between a playoff push and a long-term retooling phase, and if the right offer comes along, history suggests they could pull the trigger.
A strong fit in the Bronx
For the Yankees, Peralta offers a near-perfect fit. He brings not only talent but also versatility. Capable of starting deep into games or shifting into a high-leverage bullpen role, Peralta could fill multiple needs for New York.
With Clarke Schmidt still recovering from injury and Nestor Cortes struggling with consistency, adding a reliable arm like Peralta would provide both depth and postseason flexibility.
Peralta’s ability to miss bats and pitch under pressure makes him a valuable asset in any playoff environment. While his ERA this season hovers around 3.60, advanced metrics paint a more favorable picture, with strong strikeout-to-walk ratios and impressive swing-and-miss rates.
Several other contenders-the Orioles, Braves, and Blue Jays among them-are reportedly interested. But unlike those clubs, the Yankees have both the financial power and the farm system assets to outbid the competition if they choose to go all-in.
Of course, acquiring Peralta won’t come cheap. Milwaukee knows the value of team-controlled pitching, especially in a seller’s market. But if Brian Cashman believes Peralta is the missing piece to a championship puzzle, the Yankees may be willing to meet the price.
As the deadline nears, the biggest question isn’t whether Peralta is available-it’s who’s bold enough to move first. And if recent history is any indicator, the Yankees won’t hesitate to pick up the phone.
Read the full article here
