Brewers Expected to Trade All-Star Freddy Peralta Amid Offseason Roster Uncertainty

The Milwaukee Brewers, after being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, face critical decisions this offseason regarding their pitching staff. The team is expected to entertain trade offers for ace pitcher Freddy Peralta, who has an $8 million option for 2026 but could be moved due to ownership's reluctance to increase spending. Additionally, starting pitcher Jose Quintana is likely to opt out of his mutual option and enter free agency, while Brandon Woodruff also faces free agency, signaling potential significant changes in the Brewers' rotation. The Brewers have a history of trading star pitchers like Josh Hader and Corbin Burnes before free agency, and they might pursue veteran Max Scherzer as a cost-effective replacement to bolster their rotation. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros have signed former Blue Jays pitcher Nate Pearson to a one-year deal, planning to use him as a starter after a challenging 2025 season mostly spent in Triple-A. Overall, the Brewers need to balance retaining talent and exploring trades to remain competitive in the coming seasons.