BREAKING: Yankees’ $22M Cole Crisis Fix Revealed: Ace Trade Talks HEATING UP

Yankees Eye Freddy Peralta, But Landing the Brewers’ Ace Won’t Be Easy

If the New York Yankees are serious about making a major move at the trade deadline, they may need to think outside the box — and dig deep into their prospect pool.

One name that continues to surface as a potential target is Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta, one of the premier starting pitchers in baseball. With Milwaukee currently sitting in third place in the NL Central — 5.5 games behind the Cubs — and historically willing to move big names to save payroll, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them explore trading Peralta.

However, the Brewers aren’t out of contention just yet. At 36–32, a strong stretch could shift them into buying mode — in which case Peralta might not be on the table. Still, he’s a name worth watching. He’s well-liked in Milwaukee and has been a mainstay on and off the field, but analyst Zach Pressnell recently floated him as perhaps the top potential trade chip in the division.

“Peralta could be the best player from the NL Central on the trade market,” Pressnell wrote. “The Brewers have a history of trading top players before they hit free agency, and it could happen again here. It’ll take a major offer for the Yankees to get him — but if they’re serious about contending while Aaron Judge is in his prime, they have to consider it. Few prospects should be considered untouchable.”

How Likely Is a Trade?

Peralta is pitching like an ace again, with a 2.69 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 77 innings so far this season. His overall track record — a career 3.69 ERA — along with his incredibly team-friendly six-year, $22 million contract makes him one of the most valuable arms in baseball.

While he’ll become a free agent after this season, that may not matter. Milwaukee is expected to pick up his affordable $8 million club option for 2026, and unless a team like the Yankees blows them away with an offer, they’re not inclined to move him.

“Freddy Peralta isn’t going anywhere unless it’s a blockbuster,” wrote Tremayne Person. “No matter what the Brewers decide at the deadline, they’re not parting with their ace without a massive return.”

What Would It Take for the Yankees to Get Him?

To pry Peralta away, the Yankees would likely have to part with at least one top-tier prospect. According to Kristie Ackert of Athlon Sports, several teams have inquired about George Lombard Jr., the Yankees’ 2023 first-round pick.

Lombard, now 20, is already at Double-A Somerset and is viewed by many within the organization as a long-term foundational piece. His bat is still developing — hitting .200 through 29 games at the level — but his .344 OBP and defensive upside have drawn attention.

“The Yankees really value Lombard Jr.,” Ackert wrote. “But in a deal for someone like Peralta, they might have to seriously consider moving him.”

Bottom Line

Peralta would be a game-changing addition to the Yankees’ rotation, but it won’t come cheap. If GM Brian Cashman wants to pull off a blockbuster, he’ll have to weigh the value of win-now talent against the cost of surrendering top prospects.

The clock is ticking toward the deadline — and if the Brewers fade, the window to strike may open. But make no mistake: this won’t be a bargain-bin deal.