As we enter January, Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta remains a focal point of offseason trade chatter. Even with a higher-profile arms like Tarik Skubal still available, teams have already swung notable deals for starting pitchers such as Shane Baz and Mike Burrows.
Pair those moves with a free agent pitching market where starters are commanding premium dollar, and it’s clear why the Brewers could be in position to land a massive haul for Peralta, who is scheduled to make just $8.0 million in 2026, on his last year of team control.
That said, Milwaukee has shown a willingness to move an ace before. Just a few years ago, the Brewers dealt Corbin Burnes one season ahead of free agency, landing Joey Ortiz and DL Hall from the Baltimore Orioles. With another trade very much in play, one MLB insider believes a potential Peralta deal could bring back an even bigger return than the Burnes trade
Milwaukee Brewers’ trade opportunity could top Corbin Burnes return
Speaking on Foul Territory, Ken Rosenthal noted that if Peralta is traded, the Brewers could receive a return that surpasses what they landed in the Burnes deal. Rosenthal pointed to Peralta’s track record, team-friendly salary, and the fact the acquiring team could extend him a qualifying offer and receive draft pick compensation next winter as key factors.
“If he’s moved, they will get in excess of what they acquired for Corbin Burnes.”@Ken_Rosenthal expects the Brewers to trade Freddy Peralta. 👀 pic.twitter.com/ya58Pk71no
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 6, 2026
