MLB Trade Rumors: Ace Freddy Peralta Heads to Yankees in Proposed Deal

The Milwaukee Brewers got a nice surprise when starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff unexpectedly decided to accept the team's $22 million qualifying offer to return for 2026. The one-time ace of the Brewers' staff made a successful return in 2025 after a year-and-a-half off due to shoulder surgery.

Many are speculating that Woodruff's return to the rotation frees up the Brew Crew to deal their most valuable trade asset, ace Freddy Peralta, before he becomes a free agent after the '26 season. The team says they are not planning on trading him, but we know how the small-market Brewers operate, and history says it's still a distinct possibility.

Given that, MLB insider and ex-GM Jim Bowden has proposed the following trade that would send Peralta to the New York Yankees, and finally give him the media spotlight that he so deserves.

New York Yankees receive:

Freddy Peralta, SP

Milwaukee Brewers receive:

Will Warren, SP
Jose Caballero, SS

Adding Peralta would give Yankees a formidable rotation when all hands are on deck

For the Yankees, adding Peralta to an already strong rotation should put them right back in the running as a co-favorite in the AL East for 2026. He would join the Cy Young ace of the staff Gerrit Cole, who is returning from Tommy John surgery sometime early in the season, as well as Max Fried and Carlos Rodon (who is also expected to return in late April after a minor elbow procedure), forming a fearsome foursome.

Peralta went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA this past season, with a 204:66 strikeout to walk ratio.

In return, Milwaukee would get a young starting pitcher with promise in Will Warren. He would step right into their rotation and is under team control for five more years. The 26-year-old was 9-8 last year for the Yankees with a 4.44 ERA.

In Caballero, they would get an everyday player who led the majors in stolen bases in 2025 with 49 swipes, and had an AL-best 44 the season prior.

"Caballero could share shortstop with (Joey) Ortiz and fill in practically anywhere else on the field as needed. The Brewers always embrace speed and Caballero, 29, has plenty of that," notes Bowden.