The Yankees and Astros are among several clubs with interest in trading for Brewers star Freddy Peralta. Despite a lack of major deals at the Winter Meetings, the trade market for starting pitching is heating up. The Astros, Giants, Mets, Orioles, Red Sox, and Yankees have all reached out about Peralta, with Houston, San Francisco, Baltimore, and the Mets prioritizing starting pitching. The Astros are focused on staying under the luxury tax line, while the Giants and Mets have ample payroll flexibility but are downplaying long-term commitments. The Orioles are casting a wide net for an impact arm. The Yankees, without Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón due to injury, and Clarke Schmidt recovering from Tommy John surgery, are in need of a fifth starter. They are considering options like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, Edward Cabrera, and MacKenzie Gore. Boston, on the other hand, has acquired Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, focusing on adding big bats. Peralta, with a 2.70 ERA and 200 strikeouts in 30+ games, fits the profile of a desirable contender. The Brewers, despite being motivated to trade him, are balancing the potential return against the impact on their 2026 team. President of baseball operations Matt Arnold expressed skepticism about trading Peralta, emphasizing his importance to the team's competitiveness in 2026.
