If the Brewers decide to trade away ace Freddy Peralta, it could create some lineup-altering possibilities before first pitch of opening day.
Milwaukee could decide to dip its toes in the free agent waters in the weeks leading up to the season beginning, if Peralta is dealt, to beef up the lineup.
Brewers linked to former Reds outfielder Austin Hays
One name to watch, who could be in the Brewers’ crosshairs if Peralta is dealt, is former Reds outfielder Austin Hays.
According to Brewer Fanatic’s Matthew Trueblood, Hays could be an ideal fit to anchor a revamped Brewers lineup, or at minimum contribute quality at bats.
“Hays, 30, has been more consistently competent than [Harrison] Bader at the plate,” Trueblood writes of Hays. “He batted .266/.315/.453 in 2025, taking 416 plate appearances for the Reds and cracking 16 home runs. He’s not the same caliber of defender as Bader, though, and durability is an important question for him.”
Milwaukee could look to make a franchise-altering trade, by dealing Peralta for a haul of prospects, but Hays could be a key piece to target to add veteran depth to a Brewers squad that’s hopeful to make a run in the NL Central, this season.
