Financial pressure pushes Brewers toward tough roster decision 5 Oct 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) reacts after giving up a solo home run to Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (not pictured) in the second inning during game two of the NLCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Financial pressure pushes Brewers toward tough roster decision

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Dec 2, 2025 12:57 PM ET

The Milwaukee Brewers recently brought Brandon Woodruff back on a one season contract, which has sparked even more questions about what comes next for the rest of the roster. Freddy Peralta’s situation remains especially murky, and ongoing payroll concerns hang over the team. According to a report from the New York Times, those financial pressures could eventually push Milwaukee to explore a Peralta trade before he reaches free agency.

Rumblings around the league keep growing, and Milwaukee might be forced to adjust its roster to fit any new additions. Team sources told the Times that there is real uncertainty about offering Peralta a long-term extension. Cot’s Baseball Contracts estimates the Brewers’ payroll could approach one hundred thirty three million dollars in the coming season, creating even more strain as the front office evaluates its next steps.

This projected total nearly mirrors their twenty twenty five payroll, which means the front office must carefully assess which contracts they can realistically take on. With that in mind, Brewers ownership may consider moving Peralta to avoid the sizable commitment he is positioned to earn.

Brewers navigating a tough spot

Historically, Milwaukee has rarely handed out major deals to its rotation pieces. The last time the franchise issued a top tier contract to a starting pitcher was in twenty fourteen, when Matt Garza signed a four year agreement.

Since that Garza deal, Milwaukee has routinely let talented starters move on. C C Sabathia, Eric Lauer, and Colin Rea all left in free agency, and the club eventually dealt Corbin Burnes rather than pay him long term. That pattern over the past decade suggests the Brewers are not inclined to give extended contracts to Peralta or Woodruff.

Milwaukee Brewers: Brandon Woodruff Sees Aug 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53) watches New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) run the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Peralta is set to reach free agency after the 2026 season, and Milwaukee is reportedly open to hearing offers. His eight million dollar salary could draw interest from clubs hunting for rotation help. If the Brewers decide not to move their top starter, they may shift their focus to the bullpen instead.

Trevor Megill and Nick Mears could be available, with the pair projected to earn roughly six million dollars through arbitration. For now, Milwaukee plans to gauge the market and determine the best path forward as they look to build on their ninety seven win campaign in 2025.

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

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