The Atlanta Braves are reportedly keen on acquiring an All-Star starting pitcher, focusing their interest on Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers. This follows reports from The Athletic’s Will Sammon, which indicate that the Braves are not alone in their pursuit, with other teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and several smaller-market clubs also eyeing the right-hander.
Details surrounding the negotiations were sparse, with no clear indication of how advanced any discussions may be. However, it has been noted that the Brewers would be looking for a major-league-ready starting pitcher as part of the return for Peralta.
The Braves’ interest in Peralta is not new. Last month, prior reports suggested the team would consider a trade for him if they were unable to secure a different free-agent starter. At that time, speculation suggested the Braves might need to part with two players to make the deal happen, with the Brewers reportedly interested in pitcher JR Ritchie while the Braves would prefer to keep him and trade Hurston Waldrep instead. It’s noteworthy that only one of Ritchie or Waldrep would likely be included in any package sent to Milwaukee.
Given the current context, Waldrep seems to be the more likely candidate to be traded. Although both pitchers are talented, Waldrep’s experience in the major leagues and previous success could make him the preferable choice from the Braves’ perspective.
As time passes since the last update, the Braves’ willingness to move specific assets may have changed, although no information about potential additional trade pieces has surfaced at this time. The situation remains fluid, with speculation about the Braves’ intentions regarding trades and acquisitions, particularly concerning Peralta.
An important factor in any potential deal is whether Peralta would agree to sign an extension. The Braves are understandably hesitant to part with top prospects for a player who could only provide a single season of service. They require assurance of his commitment for multiple years before making a significant trade.
Peralta, a seasoned pitcher, brings considerable value to any franchise. In 2025, he was named an All-Star for the second time and finished fifth in Cy Young Award voting in the National League, boasting an impressive career-low ERA of 2.70 over 33 starts.
As the Braves navigate this trade talk, there remains an undercurrent of optimism that they could bolster their pitching rotation with a player capable of making an immediate impact. The possibility of acquiring a proven talent such as Peralta could significantly enhance their chances in the upcoming season.