Atlanta Braves Eyeing Freddy Peralta in Big Trade Push for Starting Pitching

The Atlanta Braves are actively pursuing a proven starting pitcher before the 2026 offseason wraps up. With the team’s eyes set on both immediate postseason success and long-term rotation stability, General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear that Atlanta wants a pitcher who not only brings reliability down the stretch but also carries playoff experience.

Currently, the Braves’ rotation situation beyond 2026 is uncertain. As HTHB’s Chase Owens highlighted, “Beyond Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, there are no clear locks for the Atlanta Braves rotation beyond 2026.” This makes the addition of a veteran, proven starter an urgent priority for the organization.

Braves’ Rotation Options

The Braves have several options to explore. Names like Framber Valdez have surfaced in trade rumors, but one pitcher increasingly gaining attention is Freddy Peralta, currently with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers have reportedly placed Peralta on the trade block, creating a potential opportunity for Atlanta to acquire a high-caliber arm to bolster their rotation.

Chase Owens of HTHB suggests that the Braves could look to trade Hurston Waldrep in order to secure Peralta. Waldrep, Atlanta’s first-round pick in 2023, was considered one of the top prospects in the organization for much of 2024. While interest in him dipped at the beginning of 2025, injuries to Atlanta’s pitching staff caused Waldrep to reach the majors earlier than expected. Despite the early promotion, he delivered impressive results in his first extended stint, generating significant buzz about his future as a frontline starter.

If Waldrep replicates or improves on his 2025 performance, the Brewers could view him as an attractive trade piece. This sets up a potential exchange where Atlanta could trade a top young pitching prospect for a proven starter, immediately improving their playoff chances.

Freddy Peralta: A Proven Starter

Freddy Peralta has established himself as one of the National League’s top pitchers, leading the NL in wins for Milwaukee. Known for his electric fastball-slider combination and ability to dominate lineups, Peralta brings the kind of experience and consistency the Braves are seeking.

CBS Sports’ RJ Anderson explains that Milwaukee would want a replacement starter in return if they part with Peralta. Teams like the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox have the resources and young pitchers to make a trade for Peralta possible. Atlanta, with a combination of top pitching prospects and a willingness to move Waldrep, could position themselves as a serious contender in trade talks.

Acquiring Peralta would give the Braves a rotation ace with postseason experience, something the team has lacked consistently outside of Strider. This move would strengthen Atlanta’s starting staff while also signaling that the organization is willing to go all-in on competing immediately.

Hurston Waldrep’s Value

Hurston Waldrep’s trajectory is a key factor in any trade scenario. Despite some mid-season dips in performance, Waldrep has shown maturity, adaptability, and the ability to handle major-league hitters in pressure situations.

Waldrep’s appeal to Milwaukee is clear: a young, high-upside starter who could slot into their rotation for years to come. For Atlanta, parting with Waldrep isn’t easy, but the potential payoff—Freddy Peralta, an established starter capable of leading a rotation in the playoffs—makes the decision strategically sound.

Owens notes: “A plethora of injuries to Atlanta’s rotation last season caused Waldrep to arrive in the big leagues earlier than the organization may have wanted. However, Waldrep was stellar during his first extended cup of coffee in the majors, creating significant buzz about the pitcher he can develop into.” This buzz adds to Waldrep’s trade value, increasing Atlanta’s leverage in negotiations.

Strategic Implications for Atlanta

Bringing Peralta to Atlanta would accomplish several objectives:

1. Immediate Rotation Upgrade: With only Strider and Schwellenbach locked in beyond 2026, Peralta would stabilize the rotation for the 2026 season and beyond if signed to an extension.

2. Playoff Experience: Peralta has been tested in high-pressure situations, making him a valuable asset for a team aiming to return to the postseason.

3. Complementing Young Arms: Adding a veteran like Peralta allows Atlanta to develop younger pitchers like Schwellenbach and other prospects at a measured pace while remaining competitive.

4. Trade Value Optimization: Using Waldrep in a trade leverages one of Atlanta’s top pitching prospects for a proven major-league starter, turning potential future value into immediate wins.

The only potential downside is the risk that Peralta might only stay for one season. However, Anthopoulos is unlikely to pursue the trade unless confident that Peralta fits the team’s long-term vision, either through contract extension talks or alignment with Atlanta’s competitive window.

The Playoff Push

Atlanta’s primary goal remains returning to the playoffs. By adding Peralta, the Braves could strengthen their rotation, create matchup advantages, and provide reliable pitching down the stretch. The combination of Strider, Schwellenbach, and Peralta could form a formidable rotation capable of competing against any NL contender.

For Braves fans, the acquisition of Peralta would signal a clear commitment to winning now, while also providing flexibility for the future. With only two rotation spots locked beyond 2026, Atlanta’s offseason decisions will be critical in defining the team’s trajectory over the next several seasons.

Conclusion

The Atlanta Braves are in a pivotal position as the offseason continues. With rotation uncertainty looming beyond 2026, Alex Anthopoulos and the front office must decide whether to leverage top prospects like Hurston Waldrep to acquire Freddy Peralta, a proven starter with postseason experience.

The trade would address Atlanta’s immediate needs, strengthen their playoff push, and provide a cornerstone for the rotation. While parting with a young talent like Waldrep carries risk, the potential reward—a veteran ace who can deliver in October—may be well worth it.

As trade rumors intensify, all eyes will be on the Braves to see whether they make a bold move to secure the pitching depth required to contend for the National League pennant. For now, Freddy Peralta represents both a solution to Atlanta’s rotation challenges and a statement of intent: the Braves are ready to compete at the highest level.