Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta signed a five-year, $15.5 million contract extension on Wednesday. The contract includes two club options that may raise the value of the contract to $30 million.
It has been an up-and-down career for Peralta, but has shown flashes of brilliance at times. In 2018, he made a great first impression in his Major League debut against the Colorado Rockies. He pitched 5.2 innings with 13 strikeouts, 2 walks, and only surrendered 1 hit.
Peralta would be inconsistent for the remainder of the season, even being relegated to the bullpen. He did make the post-season roster that season and did pitch in the NLCS against the Dodgers. In his lone appearance, he pitched 3 innings with 6 strikeouts and 3 walks. He did not allow a run, but the Brewers did lose the game.
In 2019, Peralta came into the season with high expectations. However, he struggled to find consistency again. His best game was early in season against the Reds. In this game, Peralta pitched 8 innings, struck out 11, and only allowed 2 hits. After being demoted during the season, he was brought back and sent to the bullpen.
When spring training started, it was reported that Peralta added a slider to his already electric four-seam fastball and curve ball. If he can control the slider and find consistency with his other pitches, he will be a top-of-the-rotation type starter.
The Brewers obviously have faith in Peralta because they were willing to offer him a long-term contract. The two club options leave them the option to part ways with him if he does not meet expectations. His contract is also affordable to any club, which may help move him in a trade if need be.
Peralta is currently competing with Eric Lauer to be the Brewers’ fifth starter. If he is unable to make the rotation, he most likely will start the season in the bullpen. The current locks for the rotation are Brandon Woodruff, Adrian Houser, Brett Anderson, and John Lindblom.
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