Brewers Hint at Surprising Twist: Woodruff’s Comeback Sparks Trade Speculation, But What’s Really Next for Peralta?

The Mets are staring down a pressing need for starting pitching as the offseason unfolds, and plenty of avenues are opening up for them—be it through free agency or trades. Yet, despite the chatter, the Milwaukee Brewers are making it crystal clear that shipping off their ace, Freddy Peralta, isn’t a done deal just yet. After Brandon Woodruff accepted his qualifying offer, many speculated this move would signal a Peralta trade to gather assets before he hits free agency. But Brewers owner Mark Attanasio and president of baseball operations Matt Arnold have emphatically stated one decision doesn’t necessarily dictate the other, underlining their confidence in the current rotation. Peralta, coming off arguably his best season, commands a modest $8 million salary next year, which makes the decision to trade or hold him a complex chess match with high stakes. Over in New York, the Mets’ rotation remains in flux, with stalwarts like Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga, and Nolan McLean expected to play key roles, while David Stearns hustles behind the scenes, trying to piece together a formidable pitching staff amidst the ever-shifting offseason landscape. Whether it’s pursuing Peralta, targeting other standout starters like Tarik Skubal, or eyeing free agents such as Dylan Cease and Framber Valdez, the Mets are keeping all their options open—navigating a tricky, unpredictable market with cautious optimism. It’s a fascinating saga of strategy and potential that’s still very much in motion. LEARN MORE

The Mets need starting pitching, and there are options this offseason, whether it’s in the free agent or trade market.

However, the Brewers are making it known that ace Freddy Peralta being dealt isn’t inevitable.

After Brandon Woodruff was one of just four players to accept the $22 million qualifying offer to return to Milwaukee, many believed it was a precursor to the Brewers trading Peralta — who is on an expiring contract — to recoup assets. ESPN’s Jeff Passan cited executives with interest who believed the chance for a Peralta trade would “drastically increase” if Woodruff took the qualifying offer.

Brewers owner Mark Attanasio and president of baseball operations Matt Arnold commented to The Athletic late Tuesday that one decision doesn’t impact the other.

“Independent decisions Matt and his group will make,” Attanasio told The Athletic. “We’re certainly excited about our rotation now.”

Peralta is set to make just $8 million in 2026, a very team-friendly deal that the Brewers could afford, but with the threat of losing their best pitcher to free agency at the end of the season, it could be the best chance to get the most back in a deal, especially after the year the 29-year-old just had. The 2025 season was arguably Peralta’s best as a pro. In 33 starts, he pitched to a 17-6 record and a 2.70 ERA. He made his second All-Star team and was fifth in Cy Young voting.

Currently, the Mets’ starting rotation is in a state of uncertainty. Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga and Nolan McLean are expected to be a part of the mix while Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns looks to add and remake the rotation this offseason.

What pitcher or pitchers he can obtain is not yet known as Stearns navigates the ever-evolving offseason.

“There are teams that are still feeling out where they’re heading this offseason,” Stearns told SNY’s Andy Martino at the GM Meetings. “I have experience and recognize that positions at the GM Meetings may not always be the position a club takes at the Winter Meetings and may not be the position a club takes at the end of January. These things can evolve at the end of the offseason and be really challenging for me to predict at this point…what we try to do is stay involved in the conversations and make sure we’re informed as much as possible and that allows us to make the best decisions.”

Aside from Peralta, the Mets could try and pry other top-line starters like Tarik Skubal from their respective clubs. They have the young talent like Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat that they can use as trade chips, but it’s not the only avenue Stearns has to add to the Mets rotation.

Other arms like Dylan Cease, Framber Valdez and Michael King are available via free agency.