Padres Among Teams Monitoring Freddy Peralta

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta remains one of the most intriguing names on the trade market, even if a deal is far from guaranteed. Interest in the veteran starter has been widespread throughout the offseason, and recent reports indicate that both the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers have stayed engaged as they evaluate ways to strengthen their rotations.

Peralta’s appeal is rooted in a rare combination of performance and affordability. Since the start of the 2021 season, he has been one of the more consistent starters in the National League, pairing strikeout-heavy outings with generally solid command. 

That trend continued in 2025, when Peralta turned in another strong campaign highlighted by elite run prevention and an ability to miss bats at a high rate. For teams seeking top-of-the-rotation upside without committing to a massive long-term contract, Peralta stands out.

That value stems from a team-friendly extension Peralta signed before fully establishing himself in the majors. With a modest salary attached to the final year of club control, he offers contenders a chance to upgrade their rotation at a fraction of the cost typically associated with frontline starters.

 In an offseason where quality arms have commanded premium prices, that contract has only amplified leaguewide interest.

For the Brewers, however, the decision is complex. Milwaukee rarely operates with financial flexibility, and looming changes to its local broadcast situation have added uncertainty to future revenue. While trading Peralta would not dramatically reshape payroll, it could allow the club to address multiple roster needs through younger, controllable talent. 

At the same time, keeping him would give the Brewers a chance to remain competitive in 2026, with the fallback option of draft compensation should he depart in free agency.

San Diego represents a logical fit. The Padres enter the season with several rotation questions after losing key arms in recent years and dealing with injuries. While they have added pieces, depth remains a concern, and Peralta’s durability and strikeout profile would stabilize the group. 

Financial constraints, however, complicate matters, as San Diego has been carefully navigating the competitive balance tax and may struggle to assemble the kind of prospect package Milwaukee would demand.

The Dodgers also loom as a natural suitor. Despite boasting an impressive collection of arms, Los Angeles carries risk throughout its rotation due to recent workloads and health histories. 

Adding Peralta would provide insurance and innings stability. Unlike many contenders, the Dodgers possess the type of young pitching depth that could entice Milwaukee without weakening the major league roster.

As spring training approaches, the Brewers have little urgency to force a deal. Whether Peralta ultimately moves or anchors Milwaukee’s staff for another season, his situation will remain one of the offseason’s most closely watched storylines.