Brewers Expected To Trade Ace Peralta Amid NL Central Pitching Shakeup

The Milwaukee Brewers face a tough decision with their ace Freddy Peralta, who is entering the final year of his contract and is unlikely to re-sign, prompting speculation about a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros. Peralta's strong 2025 performance makes him a highly sought-after asset, and trading him could yield valuable pitching prospects for the Brewers. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs aim to upgrade their pitching staff but face challenges in acquiring top pitchers like Peralta, Hunter Greene, and Sonny Gray due to divisional rivalries and limited trade possibilities. The Cubs are also linked to free agent Dylan Cease, a former Cy Young runner-up, although his 2025 season showed some decline. Additionally, the Cubs' bullpen is expected to change significantly in 2026, with potential trade targets like reliever Jimmy Herget of the Colorado Rockies being considered to bolster their pitching depth. Overall, the offseason pitching market is complex, with multiple teams navigating strategic moves to strengthen their rosters.