LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers are showing no signs of slowing down this offseason.
Just days after agreeing to a blockbuster four-year, $240 million deal with outfielder Kyle Tucker, the team is reportedly keeping its eyes on another prize: Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta.
The Dodgers’ offseason has already been marked by historic moves. They signed Edwin DĂaz, making him the richest reliever in baseball history, and now they’ve added Tucker, one of the most dynamic young hitters in the sport.
Yet, according to a report from The Athletic’s Katie Woo, Los Angeles remains aggressive in its pursuit of pitching. The Dodgers are “interested in Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta,” Woo wrote, highlighting the team’s intent to solidify its rotation with another frontline starter.
Peralta, a two-time All-Star, is approaching his final season before free agency, and his 2025 campaign only added fuel to his value.
In what was arguably his career-best season, Peralta posted a 17-6 record with a 2.70 ERA over 33 starts, logging 176 2/3 innings while striking out 204 batters and issuing just 66 walks. His WHIP was a sharp 1.08, reflecting both his command and consistency throughout the year.
Peralta’s dominance was not just statistical; it helped the Brewers secure the National League Central title with a 97-65 record.
He finished fifth in the Cy Young voting, cementing his status as one of the league’s top arms. His third consecutive 200-strikeout season is a rare achievement, one that underscores his reliability and ability to carry a rotation.
Postseason performance, however, is always under the microscope. Peralta started three games for Milwaukee in the playoffs, going 1-2 with a 4.70 ERA across 15 1/3 innings, striking out 19 batters. Though the Brewers fell short of a deep playoff run, his regular-season consistency leaves little doubt about his capability to be a true ace.
For the Dodgers, adding a pitcher like Peralta would address a clear need. Despite a rotation anchored by Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, Los Angeles is searching for stability and depth to contend in the postseason, where one elite starter can change the entire calculus of a series.
Peralta’s contract situation also makes him an intriguing target. He is under Milwaukee’s $8 million club option for 2026, which gives the Brewers some control while providing prospective trade partners like the Dodgers a more manageable immediate financial commitment.
This is the kind of player every contender wants: elite, young enough to control for several years, and positioned perfectly for a trade that could push a team over the top.
The Dodgers’ interest in Peralta mirrors similar moves around Major League Baseball. In an era where pitching depth is paramount, clubs are willing to make bold moves to secure proven frontline starters, especially those with postseason experience and consistent strikeout ability.
Historically, the Dodgers have not shied away from blockbuster trades or large financial commitments, and their offseason strategy reflects that philosophy. Tucker and DĂaz already signal the team’s willingness to spend to maintain contention, and Peralta fits perfectly into that blueprint.
Analysts suggest that a potential trade for Peralta would require the Dodgers to give up significant prospects or even major league-ready talent. Milwaukee, in turn, would be looking to extract maximum value for a player approaching free agency, making any deal complex but potentially transformative.
From the Dodgers’ perspective, adding Peralta isn’t just about stats — it’s about constructing a roster capable of enduring the grind of the postseason.
In a division as competitive as the National League West, where the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants continue to push the envelope, securing another ace could be the difference between a division title and an early October exit.
Moreover, the timing of this interest is crucial. With free agency approaching and trade negotiations heating up, both the Dodgers and Brewers are navigating a narrow window where the player’s value is at its peak.
If Los Angeles can acquire Peralta, they would not only bolster their rotation but send a clear signal to the league: the Dodgers are committed to contending for championships immediately, blending elite pitching and offensive firepower.
The combination of Kyle Tucker in the lineup, Edwin DĂaz in the bullpen, and potentially Freddy Peralta in the rotation creates a formidable team that few in baseball would want to face come October.
Even with these high-profile acquisitions, the Dodgers are likely not done. Their history shows a pattern of continuously strengthening their roster, seeking any competitive edge.
For Milwaukee, trading Peralta would come with mixed emotions. He is not only their ace but also a fan favorite whose dominance has anchored their success. However, his value in the trade market, combined with his upcoming free agency, makes a potential deal appealing if the right package arrives.
In summary, the Dodgers’ pursuit of Freddy Peralta reflects a larger strategy: combine elite pitching, proven hitting, and strategic spending to maximize their championship window.
While Kyle Tucker and Edwin DĂaz headline the offseason headlines, a Peralta acquisition could be the defining move that cements the Dodgers’ status as favorites for 2026 and beyond.
As Major League Baseball’s winter meetings progress and trade rumors swirl, one thing is clear: the Dodgers are never done, and Freddy Peralta is now at the center of their next potential blockbuster.
