The Case for Freddy Peralta and Why the Yankees Should Trade For Him
- Joseph Esposito
- Jan 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 8
The Yankees have been linked to Freddy Peralta throughout this offseason, and after missing out on recent trade target Edward Cabrera, it may be time for them to push their chips in on the Brewers ace. Below is a breakdown of Peralta’s profile, what changed in his most recent season, and why the Yankees should seriously pursue a deal.
His 2025 Campaign
Peralta put together the best season of his career in 2025 from a results standpoint. He posted career highs across several key areas while taking a significant step forward as a true frontline starter.
He finished the season with a 2.70 ERA while throwing 176.2 innings, both career bests. His average fastball velocity climbed to 94.8 mph, and his adjusted ERA that accounts for park and league context came in at an elite 65, where 100 represents league average. He also posted a 3.52 Win Probability Added, further highlighting how impactful he was in high leverage moments for Milwaukee.
While some of his expected metrics did not fully match the surface level results, it was still an excellent overall season. More importantly, there is still room for growth if Matt Blake and Sam Briend are able to get their hands on him and refine the remaining inefficiencies in his profile.
Peralta's Arsenal & Pitch Mix Change
One of the biggest reasons Peralta took a step forward in 2025 was a meaningful change to his pitch mix. Below is how his usage shifted from 2024 to 2025.
In 2024, Peralta relied heavily on his four seam fastball at 54 percent usage, paired with a 22 percent slider, a 17 percent changeup, and a 7 percent curveball. In 2025, his four seam usage remained unchanged at 54 percent, but he increased his changeup usage to 21 percent and more than doubled his curveball usage to 16 percent. At the same time, he significantly reduced his slider usage to just 9 percent.
Those changes reshaped how his arsenal played against hitters.
Four Seam Fastball
2024
2025
Peralta’s four seam fastball continues to be the foundation of his success.
From a pitch shape standpoint, his vertical break remained largely the same year over year, but his horizontal break dropped substantially. That change gives the pitch more perceived rise, making it more difficult for hitters to square up consistently. While his whiff rate on the pitch dipped slightly, his called strike plus whiff rate increased as he was able to command it in the zone more effectively.
He also saw a slight velocity bump of about half a mile per hour, further enhancing the pitch at the top of the zone. The fastball became less about pure whiffs and more about controlled dominance.
Changeup
2024
2025
There were several noticeable improvements to Peralta’s changeup in 2025.
He increased the usage by roughly four percent and added more than one mile per hour of velocity to the pitch. While the whiff rate declined slightly, his overall called strike plus whiff rate remained nearly identical. The most important change was movement. Peralta added more than an inch of arm side run, making the pitch more deceptive and better at disrupting timing, especially against left handed hitters.
That added movement helped the changeup play off his fastball far more effectively.
Slider
2024
2025
The slider saw the most dramatic transformation in Peralta’s arsenal.
He cut the usage significantly, increased the velocity by more than two miles per hour, and completely altered the pitch shape. In 2024, the slider featured just over two inches of vertical break. In 2025, that number jumped to 5.6 inches. At the same time, horizontal movement decreased from 7.6 inches to 5.5 inches.
In practical terms, the pitch now drops more quickly and moves less side to side. That change, combined with the reduced usage, played a major role in Peralta finishing among the top 20 pitchers in swinging strike rate and called strike plus whiff rate.
Curveball
2024
2025
Peralta leaned on his curveball far more in 2025, increasing usage by nearly nine percent.
The pitch generated more swinging strikes overall, though his called strike plus whiff rate dipped slightly as he transitioned it from a get me over pitch in 2024 to a true put away pitch in 2025. He also increased the vertical break on the curveball, making it a more effective weapon when finishing hitters rather than simply stealing early count strikes.
The Trade Package
Freddy Peralta is only under contract for one more season, but he will not come cheap. Multiple teams have been connected to him throughout the offseason, and the Brewers are under no obligation to move him after finishing with the best regular season record last year.
A quick look at Milwaukee’s roster shows some clear needs. They lack outfield depth, are thin on immediate rotation replacements if Peralta is moved, and could benefit from another intriguing starting pitching prospect, a player type the organization has historically developed well. Here is my proposed deal:
In the potential deal, the Brewers would likely target two players capable of contributing at the Major League level by 2026, along with a higher upside arm who could impact the roster later in 2026 or in 2027 if development continues on its current path.
Final Thoughts
The Yankees would benefit greatly from adding Freddy Peralta for the 2026 season. At his current level, he profiles as a high end number two starter with low end ace upside. With further refinement, that ace ceiling is still very much in play.
The Yankees cannot afford to let another year of Aaron Judge’s prime slip away by taking half measures. Trading for Peralta would take a significant bite out of the farm system for a rental, but it is a necessary risk. This team is firmly in win now mode, and it is time for Brian Cashman to act accordingly.
What are your thoughts? Is Freddy Peralta your ideal target, or do you have your eye on someone else?
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