Freddy Peralta ties Brewers record in dominant Game 1 Win 1 Oct 4, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning of game one of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Brewers offseason uncertainty grows amid Freddy Peralta speculation

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Nov 27, 2025 3:01 PM ET

The Milwaukee Brewers head into the offseason with a subdued clubhouse and growing uncertainty about their future after their NLDS run ended. Freddy Peralta is back in focus amid rising trade speculation as MLB free agency heats up, forcing the team to make decisions that will define the next several months. The Brewers remain determined to compete while managing payroll, a challenge that rarely aligns perfectly with immediate on-field goals.

Tension mounted when Brandon Woodruff accepted the Brewers’ one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer. On paper, it looked like a win, bringing back a reliable starter and rotation stability.

Among fans, however, it sparked questions about whether Milwaukee would use Woodruff’s return as a reason or excuse to trade Freddy Peralta. Owner Mark Attanasio and general manager Matt Arnold sought to reassure supporters, stressing their confidence in the rotation and plans to keep it intact. Still, trade whispers lingered, as they always do when payroll decisions loom.

Freddy Peralta’s future for the Brewers

Peralta’s contract intensifies the trade speculation. At $8 million, he stands out as one of the most affordable high-level pitchers, attracting interest from both playoff contenders and teams managing payroll.

“A trade of closer Trevor Megill would save Milwaukee a projected $4.2 million in arbitration, according to MLB Trade Rumors, while a trade of righty reliever Nick Mears would save $1.6 million. The Brewers likely would not trade both. And neither salary is particularly significant,” the Athletic wrote in their recent article.

Brewers offseason uncertainty grows amid Freddy Peralta speculation 4 Aug 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The real turning point hinges on Woodruff’s future. Locking him into a multi-year deal with a lower average annual value would give the Brewers flexibility while maintaining competitiveness. It could also shield them from the risk of losing Freddy Peralta next winter.

Yet every option carries trade-offs. Committing to Woodruff might foreshadow a future departure for Peralta, while delaying the decision only intensifies trade speculation as summer draws near.

Brewers fans want decisiveness, not hesitation. The pressing question is whether the Brewers will favor bold moves over financial caution when the season’s challenges force them to make critical choices.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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